Dolphins Lose Mattison to Season Ending Neck Surgery

Alexander Mattison underwent season ending neck surgery after a preseason injury in Chicago, forcing Miami to rethink its backfield plan.

Dolphins Lose Mattison to Season Ending Neck Surgery

Miami Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison underwent neck surgery Sunday in Chicago after a preseason tackle on a 21 yard pass. The team confirmed the procedure, performed at a local hospital, and said he will miss the 2025 season. Mattison was injured when he was tackled during the play and was transported by ambulance to a nearby facility for the operation.

Mattison joined the Dolphins on a one year contract this offseason and was third on the depth chart behind DeVon Achane and Jaylen Wright. The team has invited veteran Jamaal Williams for a tryout to add backfield depth. In 2024 he appeared in 14 games for the Raiders, starting seven, and has career totals of 2,790 rushing yards with 15 rushing touchdowns, plus 1,012 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

The injury tests Miami's depth and plans for a backfield that was already shifting to Achane as a bigger part of the offense. Wright will likely see more opportunities as the team looks for a quick answer, while the Jamaal Williams tryout signals a willingness to add veteran experience if needed. This moment also highlights how quickly a season can hinge on one medical setback in a sport where durability is a premium.

Over the longer term, the Dolphins must balance workload, risk, and development. If Achane handles a larger share and Wright grows into a reliable spell option, Miami can stay competitive even without Mattison. If not, front offices may need to rethink depth and contingency plans for a season that demands steady production on the ground.

Highlights

The road ahead will test how Miami balances depth and opportunity