The Miami Dolphins lost one of their pivotal running backs for the 2025 season as Alexander Mattison was placed on injured reserve after incurring a neck injury during the Dolphins’ preseason opener versus the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Following his injury, he underwent surgery in Chicago after being transported to a local hospital, according to ESPN.

Mattison suffered the injury when he landed on his head during a 21-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Prior to that, he had carried the ball three times for eight yards and scored one touchdown.

The former third-round draft pick from the Minnesota Vikings signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins this offseason and was expected to serve as their main power back, complementing the speed of De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. Last season, Mattison played for the Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 420 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games.

In response to Mattison’s absence, the Dolphins recently signed Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin. Boone participated in six games for the Carolina Panthers last season, registering 13 carries for 51 yards, while Shampklin played three games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, tallying 17 yards over six carries.

Despite the Dolphins’ new additions at running back, Mattison’s unfortunate situation opens up an opportunity for rookie Ollie Gordon II, who led Miami with 33 rushing yards and one touchdown on eight carries during the weekend. Gordon was a unanimous All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after rushing for 1,732 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns.