The Miami Dolphins are trying to add even more wrinkles to their already dynamic offense. One key area to make that change was the run game. While De’Von Achane dominates a majority of the snaps, the Dolphins wanted to incorporate new faces into the mix, including Alexander Mattison.
However, the first game of the preseason turned out to be a brutal encounter for the running back, as he had to come off the field after a scary fall.
What Happened to Alexander Mattison?
Already putting together a solid performance on the ground, Mattison tried to become a force as a pass catcher as well. Receiving a pass near the line of scrimmage, a few nifty cuts, and a broken tackle turned it into a 21-yard gain for the running back.
However, the play came to a dangerous end for the veteran rusher. As the Chicago Bears’ defense tried to bring him to a stop, he was dragged down to the field. But he landed directly on his neck in a brutal image. Immediately, teammates and referees rushed over.
Alexander Mattison definitely has a concussion now pic.twitter.com/sqNkVrcoTn
— J fitz (@jakefitz357) August 10, 2025
Soon after, Mattison was taken off the field, and according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Dolphins running back will require surgery. His neck injury will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season, and it is another huge blow for Miami ahead of the new season.
“Dolphins RB Alexander Mattison has a neck injury that requires surgery, per sources,” Fowler wrote. “He’s expected to make a full recovery but will be out for the 2025 season. Has full strength and motion. Seven-year vet was having a quality camp in Miami.”
Mattison landed on his head after good play; he is walking off the field slowly https://t.co/CADzFqX8s1
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 10, 2025
It is terrible news for the running back entering his seventh year in the league. Part of stops and starts in multiple spots, he was trying to earn his place on the Miami rotation, behind Achane and backup Jaylen Wright.
Understandably, Mattison was ruled out of the game immediately. He ended his night with three carries, totaling eight yards and a touchdown in his short burst. Additionally, the play in which he got hurt was his first reception in two targets for 21 yards.
A third-round pick in 2019, Mattison came to the league after a spectacular run at Boise State, where he tallied back-to-back years with over 1,000 yards. However, for the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, he did not get a ton of room as the starter.
It wasn’t until 2023 that he got the starting job, in lieu of Dalvin Cook’s departure. He immediately put forward a productive campaign with 700 yards. Minnesota decided to cut him in the offseason as they headed towards a new era with J.J. McCarthy.
He ended up on the Las Vegas Raiders last year but got just seven starts in 14 games. A mediocre year saw the veteran hit free agency once again, and he was picked up by Miami on a one-year deal.
Unfortunately, his injury will give Ollie Gordon the opportunity to try to cement his place behind Achane and Wright. After the game, Dolphins’ head coach, Mike McDaniel, gave an update on Mattison’s injury and said the running back is dealing with “neck and shoulder soreness” but is “doing well.”
