Dolphins release Alexander Mattison from the active roster for the remainder of the season, and recruit two experienced running backs as replacements.
Miami Dolphins' Alexander Mattison Out for 2025 Season Following Neck Surgery
Alexander Mattison, the Miami Dolphins' power back who was signed in the offseason to complement the speed of De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, has been ruled out for the entire 2025 NFL season after undergoing neck surgery. The injury, sustained in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears, required surgery in Chicago shortly after he was transported by ambulance from the game.
Mattison, who had a productive 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, rushing for approximately 400 yards and scoring four touchdowns, leaves a significant gap in depth and experience for the Dolphins at running back. In Sunday's preseason game against the Bears, rookie Ollie Gordon II stepped up, recording eight carries for 33 yards, a touchdown, and a 39-yard catch.
In response to Mattison's loss, the Dolphins have swiftly added veteran RBs Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin. Boone, who featured sparingly for the Carolina Panthers last season, and Shampklin, who had limited carries for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will now compete for snaps.
The recovery timeline for Mattison is uncertain, with players recovering from neck surgery often needing several months to return to full football activity. The team’s reports emphasize a hopeful full recovery but do not estimate a return date within 2025.
The Dolphins' running back depth chart now includes Ollie Gordon II, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and potentially other players due to Mattison’s injury. Gordon's promising performance in the preseason could potentially secure him a larger role in the Miami Dolphins' backfield.
Alexander Mattison, who spent the first five seasons of his career in Minnesota, showed power-running skills and ability to break through for big runs during training camp. Over the course of his NFL career, he has rushed for a total of 2,790 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
Mattison was signed by the Dolphins to a one-year deal in March. The team will now rely significantly on less proven players as they face a critical running back depth challenge for 2025.
[1] Miami Dolphins official website [2] ESPN [3] NFL.com
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