The Miami Dolphins will have to navigate the upcoming season without running back Alexander Mattison, who suffered a serious neck injury during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Signed in March to bolster the team’s short-yardage performance, Mattison’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Dolphins’ lineup as they prepare for their second preseason game on August 16, 2024.
Mattison, a seven-year veteran, was making a strong impression early in training camp. However, his season ended abruptly when he was injured while making a 21-yard reception from quarterback Quinn Ewers in the fourth quarter of the preseason opener. As he was tackled by Bears safety Alex Cook, Mattison landed awkwardly, resulting in a neck injury that required surgery. Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on August 12 that while the injury is not career-ending, it will keep Mattison off the field for the entire season.
“Mattison was having a really, really good camp and doing some really good things,” McDaniel stated. “He was starting to make some plays that would be deserving of carries.” Despite his contributions, McDaniel emphasized that the team’s challenges in short-yardage situations would not be resolved by a single player. “We weren’t solving any shortcoming of our game by one player,” he noted, highlighting the need for a collective solution.
The Dolphins ranked second-worst in the league for third-and-1 situations in 2024, underscoring the urgency of their short-yardage struggles. During the preseason opener, Miami’s offense faltered in critical moments, including a failed attempt to score from the 3-yard line on three consecutive plays. Although Mattison did manage a 1-yard touchdown run later in the game, the overall performance revealed persistent issues in short-yardage execution.
With Mattison sidelined, the Dolphins have adjusted their roster, promoting rookie Ollie Gordon II to take on a larger role. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 225 pounds, Gordon showcased his potential with a team-high eight carries for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. McDaniel acknowledged Gordon’s flashes of brilliance but stressed the importance of consistency. “The main thing is the dependability and his ability to align and do all the things we ask a back to do,” McDaniel explained.
In response to Mattison’s injury, the Dolphins signed two additional running backs: Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin. Boone, 30, has played 72 NFL games across four teams, accumulating 117 carries for 590 yards and four touchdowns. Shampklin, 25, has limited experience, having played three games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. McDaniel expressed optimism about adding both players, reinforcing the team’s depth as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
“Our focus remains on competition and the development of our young backs,” McDaniel commented. “We’re fortunate to have three young backs—Achane, Wright, and Gordon—who are very hungry and all deserving of getting the ball.”
The Dolphins will look to improve their short-yardage offense as they continue their preseason schedule, culminating in a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 23, 2024. As they adapt to life without Mattison, the spotlight will be on the remaining backs to step up and fill the void left by his injury.
