Dolphins face season-long absence of running back Alexander Mattison
Miami Dolphins Pursue Veteran Running Back Jamaal Williams Amidst Alexander Mattison's Injury
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly considering a new addition to their running back corps, with veteran Jamaal Williams working out for the team on Monday. This move comes amidst an injury to Alexander Mattison, who is set to miss the season due to neck surgery.
Jamaal Williams, a seasoned professional with eight years of NFL experience under his belt, has played for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, and most recently, the Las Vegas Raiders. In his career, Williams has amassed 4,122 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns, along with 1,310 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns [1][2][4].
His most impressive season was with the Detroit Lions in 2022, where he achieved a career-high 1,066 rushing yards and led the league with an impressive 17 rushing touchdowns [1][2][5]. However, his production with the Saints was more modest, with 164 rushing yards and one touchdown over 14 games in the 2024 season [1][2][3].
Alexander Mattison, the Dolphins' current starting running back, sustained his injury during a 21-yard pass play in Sunday's preseason game against the Bears in Chicago. Mattison played in 14 games (seven starts) last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, rushing for 420 yards and four TDs [2][6]. Despite the setback, Mattison is expected to make a full recovery, according to reports [7].
The Dolphins' backfield currently features De'Von Achane as the starter, with Jaylen Wright, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and rookie sixth-rounder Ollie Gordon II also in the mix [3]. The addition of Williams could provide a reliable option for the team, given his extensive experience and fan-favourite status on every team he's played for [5].
In March, Williams signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the New Orleans Saints after his standout 2022 season with the Detroit Lions [8]. The Bears also showed interest in reuniting him with former Lions teammate D'Andre Swift before the 2025 season [3][5]. As of late August 2025, no new team signing has been confirmed for Williams.
References:
- ESPN
- Pro Football Reference
- NFL.com
- Detroit Free Press
- Chicago Tribune
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- NFL Network
- Sports Illustrated
- The Miami Dolphins' potential signing of Jamaal Williams could be a vital addition to the team's NFL American-football roster, considering Alexander Mattison's injury.
- Despite his injury, Alexander Mattison has proven his prowess in the game, having rushed for 420 yards and four touchdowns in the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- If signed, Jamaal Williams would bring his vast NFL experience, having played for teams like the Packers, Lions, Saints, and Raiders, to the Miami Dolphins' sports team.
- The upcoming season could see an exciting play for the Miami Dolphins, with Williams potentially touching down with his impressive career-high of 17 rushing touchdowns, a feat he achieved with the Detroit Lions in 2022.
