The Miami Dolphins will enter Sunday's NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts without several important starters after another difficult week of injuries. Head coach Jeff Hafley confirmed Friday, November 13, 2026, that center Aaron Brewer will not play, while rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is doubtful with a knee injury.
The latest setbacks add to an injury crisis that has already sidelined starting quarterback Malik Willis and veteran defensive lineman Zach Sieler. Both players were placed on injured reserve following Miami's 19-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on November 8.
The Dolphins have struggled throughout the season, entering their Week 10 matchup with a 1-7 record. With multiple positions affected, Hafley must prepare an inexperienced quarterback, reorganize the offensive line and replace one of his most important defensive leaders.
Aaron Brewer Ruled Out With Concussion
Brewer, Miami's starting center and one of its most dependable offensive linemen, remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. Hafley confirmed Friday that he would not be cleared in time for Sunday's game.
The absence creates another challenge for a team already preparing to start a different quarterback. Centers are responsible for delivering the ball to the quarterback and helping coordinate blocking assignments, making continuity especially important.
Andrew Meyer will replace Brewer in the starting lineup. Meyer has previous NFL starting experience and has spent time working with backup quarterback Kyle McCord during Miami's practices.
Hafley expressed confidence in the replacement, praising Meyer's intelligence, work ethic and toughness. The coach also pointed to an advantage in the familiarity between Meyer and McCord.
Both players have worked together with Miami's scout-team offense, giving them experience exchanging snaps before Sunday's game. However, running the scout team differs from executing a complete offensive game plan against an opposing defense.
Meyer will need to coordinate with the rest of the offensive line while helping protect McCord. The assignment becomes particularly important because the Dolphins are dealing with instability at several offensive positions.
Kyle McCord Prepares for First NFL Start
McCord will make his first NFL start after Willis was placed on injured reserve with a core muscle injury. The designation means Willis must miss at least four games, although his exact return date remains uncertain.
Willis had been attempting to play through physical problems before the medical staff determined that additional recovery time was necessary. Hafley explained Wednesday that the injury had progressed enough to require rest.
McCord, a second-year quarterback, now faces the challenge of directing an offense that has struggled to produce consistent results.
The coaching staff has praised his composure during practice. Hafley said McCord has demonstrated confidence in the huddle and is learning the offensive system quickly.
Still, the coach acknowledged that mistakes are likely as the young quarterback adjusts to his expanded responsibilities. Miami must balance giving McCord opportunities to make plays with protecting the football.
The absence of Brewer makes that transition more complicated. McCord must build an effective working relationship with Meyer while preparing for Indianapolis' defensive pressure.
Sunday's game will provide an important opportunity to evaluate McCord's development. With Willis unavailable for at least four games, Miami may need its replacement quarterback to lead the offense for much of the next month.
Chris Bell Doubtful After Knee Injury
Miami's receiving group could also be without rookie Chris Bell, who suffered a knee injury during practice.
Bell was limited earlier in the week before missing Friday's session. Hafley classified him as doubtful but stopped short of ruling him out completely.
The injury affects the same knee that Bell previously underwent surgery on following a college injury. However, the coach emphasized that the latest problem was unrelated to the earlier procedure.
Hafley said Bell had been struck in the knee and indicated that the injury was not expected to cause a lengthy absence. The team will continue assessing his condition before making a final decision.
Bell has appeared in every Dolphins game this season, making him an important contributor in an offense already missing several established players.
The Dolphins also ruled out wide receiver Jared Wayne because of a quadriceps injury. Those absences could force Miami to rely more heavily on younger receivers or make additional roster adjustments.
With McCord preparing for his first start, reduced receiver depth adds another complication. The quarterback will need dependable targets and effective protection to keep the offense moving.
Zach Sieler's Season Ends After Biceps Injury
Miami's defensive problems became more serious following the loss of Sieler, who suffered a ruptured biceps during the opening play against Detroit.
Despite the injury, the 31-year-old defensive lineman continued playing throughout the game. Medical evaluations later revealed the severity of the damage, and he was placed on injured reserve.
Sieler is expected to undergo season-ending surgery. His recovery could take five to six months, although the exact rehabilitation schedule will depend on his progress.
The veteran had recorded 24 tackles and two sacks through eight games. His contributions extended beyond statistics because he frequently occupied opposing blockers and helped create opportunities for teammates.
Sieler has been one of Miami's most productive defensive linemen in recent seasons. He recorded 10 sacks in both 2023 and 2024, establishing himself as a reliable presence against the run and pass.
His absence leaves the Dolphins without an experienced defender who helped organize the defensive front. Younger players must now assume greater responsibilities during the remaining games.
Hafley identified Chop Robinson, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers as players capable of taking larger leadership roles. Their development will become increasingly important as Miami attempts to compensate for Sieler's absence.
Josh Uche Named Dolphins Team Captain
The injuries have also affected Miami's leadership structure, prompting the team to name veteran edge rusher Josh Uche as a captain.
Uche received the honor Wednesday after Hafley consulted the remaining team captains. The coach said the players supported the decision because of Uche's leadership and performance.
Three of Miami's original six captains are now on injured reserve. Willis, Sieler and running back De'Von Achane have all been sidelined, leaving significant gaps in the team's established leadership group.
Uche, a South Florida native and seven-year NFL veteran, joined Miami during the offseason. He has impressed the coaching staff with his preparation, defensive production and willingness to mentor younger teammates.
The appointment represents a significant professional achievement for Uche, who has experienced periods of inconsistent playing time during his career.
Hafley praised his ability to contribute against both the run and the pass while supporting teammates away from the field.
Uche described the captaincy as meaningful because of the trust shown by his teammates. He emphasized that the recognition would not change his approach to preparing for games.
Dolphins Face Colts With Limited Depth
Miami's Friday injury report confirmed that Brewer and Wayne will miss Sunday's game. Bell is doubtful, while cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. is listed as questionable with a knee injury.
The Colts have their own injury problems. Their report includes several unavailable players, including tight end Mo Alie-Cox, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and offensive tackle Jalen Travis.
Indianapolis enters the matchup with a 2-7 record, only one victory ahead of Miami. Both teams are attempting to improve after difficult starts to the season.
For the Dolphins, the challenge extends beyond finding enough healthy players. The coaching staff must establish communication among replacements who have not regularly played together in starting roles.
McCord and Meyer will be especially important to that effort. Their ability to manage snaps, identify defensive pressure and avoid costly mistakes could influence Miami's offensive performance.
Defensively, Uche and Robinson will need to help replace the production and leadership lost with Sieler's injury.
The Dolphins have also lost consecutive games, falling to New England on November 1 before their defeat against Detroit. A victory in Indianapolis would provide encouragement during an increasingly difficult season.
Miami visits the Colts on Sunday, November 15, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern Time, with CBS televising the game.
Hafley and his staff must now determine how effectively their reshuffled lineup can compete while several of the team's most important players recover from injuries.