With Zach Sieler’s current injury, the Miami Dolphins may rely more on 22-year-old Zeek Biggers as training camp and the preseason roll on.
Ahead of the Miami Dolphins' joint practice with the Washington Commanders in Ashburn, Virginia on Wednesday, head coach Jeff Hafley announced that defensive tackle Zach Sieler has an undisclosed injury that will sideline him "week to week."
While the Dolphins will hope Sieler's absence is short-lived, his injury creates an immediate opportunity for a young defensive tackle who could be in line for a larger role.
Defensive tackle Zeek Biggers is among the players who could benefit most.
Biggers, a seventh-round pick by Miami in the 2025 NFL Draft, entered training camp competing for a role in a crowded defensive tackle room.
Now, with Sieler entering his ninth season and out for the time being, the 6-foot-6, 319-pound defensive tackle could see an increase in practice and preseason snaps as the Dolphins evaluate their options along the interior.
Miami's preseason opener against Washington will be Friday, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium.
The Dolphins' first depth chart of the preseason listed Sieler as a starter, with Biggers behind him.
Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips were listed as the other potential starters at defensive tackle, making the position one of the more intriguing competitions on Miami's roster.
Sieler's absence also comes at a critical time for Biggers.
Miami is entering a new era under coordinator Sean Duggan, though Hafley is expected to call the plays and lean on a four-man front more frequently than the Dolphins did under former defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
That could create more opportunities for the team's young interior defenders to establish themselves.
In Biggers' rookie season, he recorded 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a blocked kick.
The Dolphins, however, have other options if Sieler remains out.
Grant, a first-round pick in 2025, and Phillips, a fifth-round pick from the same draft class, are expected to remain central figures in the competition.
Matthew Butler also provides veteran depth at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds.
Still, an extended absence for Sieler could give Biggers an opportunity that was difficult to find with the veteran occupying a starting spot.
For a young player trying to carve out a larger role, the timing could not be better.
The joint practices and Friday's preseason opener should provide Biggers with valuable reps.
Losing Sieler, whether for the short or long term, is undoubtedly a setback for Miami, but it could become a significant opportunity for Biggers.
If he takes advantage of the additional snaps, he could enter the regular season with a much larger role than initially envisioned.
