NFL Miami Dolphins
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Miami Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison has been ruled out for the entire 2025 NFL season after sustaining a serious neck injury during the preseason clash with the Chicago Bears on Sunday, 10 August 2025. The 27-year-old was hurt in the first half at Soldier Field, Chicago, following a collision on a rushing play. He was immediately attended to by medical staff, immobilised on the field, and transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Mattison underwent neck surgery later that evening. The Dolphins confirmed the next day that he had been placed on injured reserve.

Details of the Preseason Incident

The injury occurred early through the fourth quarter as Mattison tried to make a 21-yard reception from Quinn Ewers and attempted to push through the Bears' defensive line, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

Contact from Bears safety Alex Cook brought him down awkwardly, with his helmet and upper body taking the brunt of the impact. Play was stopped for several minutes as trainers assessed the extent of his injury.

Reports state that Mattison remained conscious throughout and was able to walk off the field and into the locker room. Team doctors later confirmed that he had suffered structural damage to his neck, requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Surgery and Recovery Outlook

According to sources, the procedure was successful, and Mattison has 'full strength and motion'. Medical staff expect him to make a full recovery, though he will miss the entire 2025 campaign. The injury prompted the Dolphins to make swift roster changes to prepare for the upcoming regular season.

Could the Injury Have Been Prevented?

The severity of Mattison's injury has sparked debate among fans and analysts about the Dolphins' approach to preseason player management. While no official blame has been directed towards coaching or training staff, questions have been raised about whether veteran players such as Mattison should have been given fewer carries in a non-competitive fixture.

NFL injury analysts have noted that while such incidents are often unavoidable, player workload and contact exposure in preseason are factors that teams continually evaluate. Similar injuries in past preseasons have led some franchises to limit starting players' game time ahead of the regular season.

Dolphins' Immediate Roster Moves

With Mattison sidelined, Miami acted quickly to address its backfield depth. The team signed free-agent running back Aaron Shampklin, who previously played three games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 and has experience in the USFL. The Dolphins have also worked out veteran Jamaal Williams, the NFL's rushing touchdown leader in 2022, as a potential addition.

De'Von Achane is expected to assume the lead role, supported by Jaylen Wright, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, and rookie Ollie Gordon II.

Mattison's Career and Miami Role

Mattison, born in San Bernardino, California, starred at Boise State before being drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Over five seasons with the Vikings, he accumulated more than 2,700 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Mattison signed a one-year deal with Miami in March 2025 and was expected to serve as a power-running complement to Achane in the Dolphins' offensive scheme.

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