Dolphins veteran RB out for season after neck injury, surgery

Miami Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison’s promising preseason and 2025 NFL season were cut short on Sunday.

The veteran running back, who was spending his first season with the Dolphins, suffered a neck injury in Miami’s first preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears, which will sideline him for the entirety of the 2025 season.

Mattison was taken to the hospital after suffering the neck injury and subsequently had surgery, according to ESPN.

That ends a promising offseason for Mattison, who was angling to make the roster as a depth running back. He was entering his first season with the Dolphins after signing a one-year deal with the team this offseason, after he spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Here’s the latest on Mattison:

Alexander Mattison injury update

The Dolphins running back underwent neck surgery and is out for the entirety of the 2025 NFL season, as confirmed by The Palm Beach Post (part of the USA TODAY Network).

Mattison is expected to make a full recovery and he has full strength and motion.

Mattison injured his neck in Miami’s preseason Week 1 matchup vs. the Bears. Following a catch out of the backfield, Mattison collided with Bears defensive back Alex Cook, and he was thrown to the ground awkwardly.

The running back did walk off the field under his own power and gave a thumbs-up to fans. He was later taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Mattison was a standout in Dolphins camp and entered preseason Week 1 as the second back behind De’Von Achane. Mattison finished his matchup with three rushes for eight yards and one reception for 21 yards.

This story will be updated.