MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — In a devastating turn of events, former Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison will miss the entire 2025 NFL season after sustaining a severe neck injury during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears. The injury, which occurred in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, has abruptly ended Mattison’s first season with the Miami Dolphins, a team he joined in March 2025.
Mattison, a third-round pick by the Vikings in 2019, suffered the injury after being tackled and landing awkwardly on his head. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel initially reported post-game that Mattison was experiencing soreness in his neck and shoulder. However, further evaluation revealed the severity of the injury, leading to season-ending neck surgery, according to ESPN. On Monday, the Dolphins officially placed Mattison on injured reserve, confirming he would not return for the 2025 season.
During his five-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Mattison established himself as a reliable and versatile running back, amassing 2,370 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. After a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, where he recorded 420 yards and four touchdowns, Mattison signed with the Dolphins, eager to make an impact. His standout performances during Miami’s training camp showcased his power-running ability and knack for breaking off big runs, raising expectations for a significant role in the team’s backfield.
The loss of Mattison leaves a void in the Dolphins’ running game, prompting the team to act swiftly. On Monday, Miami signed two running backs, Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin, both of whom will compete for playing time behind starter De’Von Achane and second-year running back Jaylen Wright. Boone, a familiar face to Vikings fans, previously played in Minnesota, bringing experience to the Dolphins’ roster.
Mattison’s absence also opens the door for rookie Ollie Gordon II, who showed promise in the same preseason game against the Bears. Gordon, a highly touted prospect, contributed eight carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, along with a 39-yard reception in the 24-24 tie. His performance has sparked optimism about his potential to take on a larger role in Miami’s offense as the team adjusts to life without Mattison.
The injury is a heartbreaking setback for Mattison, who was poised for a breakout season with the Dolphins. As the team moves forward, the focus will shift to its revamped running back corps, with Achane, Wright, Boone, Shampklin, and Gordon tasked with filling the void left by the former Viking star. For now, the NFL community wishes Mattison a full and speedy recovery as he faces a challenging road ahead.