Miami Dolphins’ Alexander Mattison Done for the Season After Neck Surgery

The preseason is painful enough for fans who want meaningful games, but now the Miami Dolphins‘ running back crew is tasting some of that hardship firsthand. Alexander Mattison, a seasoned back with solid stats from his days with the Vikings and Raiders, has officially had his season cut short before it even truly began. Why? A nasty neck injury during a preseason clash with the Chicago Bears.

A Tackle That Changed Everything

During Sunday’s preseason game against the Bears, Mattison took a hard shot after a 21-yard catch-and-run play. What initially registered as a routine football collision quickly turned into something much more serious. Mattison was taken off the field by ambulance to a local hospital in Chicago, where he immediately underwent season-ending neck surgery. If this story were a movie, this is the point where the violins swell.

What makes this particularly frustrating is the nonchalant vibe we got from Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel after the game. “He’s doing well,” McDaniel said, shrugging off concerns. “He had some neck and shoulder soreness, but we’ll find out more in the next couple of days.”

Depth Chart in Chaos

With Mattison out of the picture, the Dolphins are sitting pretty thin at running back. De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright are currently holding down the fort, along with rookie Ollie Gordon, but it feels less like a fort and more like a house of cards. And, as if scripted by the Football Gods, news broke that veteran Jamaal Williams is in Miami for a tryout. It is hard to imagine a better insurance policy for the Dolphins moving forward, assuming Williams still has some gas left in the tank.

Why This Loss Hurts Miami

Mattison wasn’t just any cog in the Dolphins’ offensive machine; he was a smart offseason acquisition and a proven asset. His five years with the Vikings saw him rack up 2,790 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns, and consistently solid performances as one of the league’s more underrated running backs. Last season with the Raiders? 14 games, 7 starts.

Even more, Mattison’s versatility was going to be a critical factor for navigating what’s shaping up to be a brutal AFC East this year. His ability to both catch passes and contribute decisively on the ground added dimension to this Dolphins offense.

Mattison’s Silver Lining?

The one optimistic note in this otherwise bleak story is that Mattison is expected to make a full recovery. Sources close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler have assured fans that this isn’t a career-ender by any stretch. But still, a lost season at 27 years old isn’t exactly ideal, especially when you’re an NFL running back fighting to remind the league that you’re a key asset.

What’s Next for Miami’s Backfield?

The Dolphins’ call to bring Williams in for a look isn’t just desperation. It is a reflection of just how thin the running back market is at this point in the year. Williams, at his best, can still produce high-value performances in goal-line situations and short-yardage scenarios.

It will be interesting to see if Miami General Manager Chris Grier decides to gamble on someone else via trade or free agency. Are we about to see one of the league’s running back holdouts finally get the call? You know who we’re talking about (cough Dalvin Cook cough). The NFL loves surprise moves, and with Mattison out, now’s as good a time as any for Miami to make a splash.

The Bottom Line for Mattison

For Mattison, the 2025 season is officially a bust. And for the Dolphins, this is a not-so-subtle reminder that depth in any position is critical. Will Miami’s remaining backs rise to the occasion? Or will the front office be forced to swing a trade to stay competitive?

Only time will tell, but for now, Dolphins fans have every reason to buy extra aspirin with their next cup of coffee. Injuries are part of the game, but losing Mattison is more than just a footnote. It is a problem that could ripple into Miami’s playoff hopes long before September even rolls around.