After just one preseason game, the Miami Dolphins have already lost significant depth in their backfield.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dolphins veteran running back Alexander Mattison underwent season-ending surgery on the neck injury he suffered in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
With Mattison out for the season, Miami signed Aaron Shampklin, agents Henry Organ and Alex Beglinger told NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Shampklin ran for 17 yards on six carries win three appearances with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
Mattison ran the ball three times for eight yards and a touchdown before injuring his neck after catching a 21-yard pass. While Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game that he was experiencing some soreness in his neck and shoulder injury, Schefter noted that he was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in Chicago and his surgery was completed on Sunday evening.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Mattison has full strength and motion and is expected to make a full recovery following his procedure. Fowler added that the 27-year-old was having a “quality” training camp in Miami before the injury.
A seven-year veteran, Mattison signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins in March. He spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders after spending the first five years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. While he’s mostly played in a backup role, he’s proven to be a reliable dual-threat running back with career numbers of 2,790 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns plus 1,012 receiving yards and seven more scores.
Losing Mattison leaves Miami thin at the running back position. While many are hoping for a big year from starter De’Von Achane, his primary backups are now second-year pro Jaylen Wright and 2025 sixth-round pick Ollie Gordon II.
The Dolphins will return to action for their second preseason game on Saturday against the Detroit Lions.
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