Miami Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison has undergone neck surgery in Chicago, and as a result will miss the entire 2025 season.

Mattison sustained the neck injury when his helmet hit the ground after he was tackled by defensive back Alex Cook in the fourth quarter of a 24-25 preseason tie with the Chicago Bears.  He totaled three carries for 8 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run, in the preseason opener at Soldier Field on Sunday. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Mattison was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where the emergency surgery took place directly following the game. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Mattison, a six-year veteran, was set to enter his first season with the Dolphins after signing a one-year deal with the team this offseason; he spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.  The Dolphins listed Mattison as their third-string running back, behind De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, with Ollie Gordon II listed as the only other running back on the team’s roster. The Dolphins have already signed veteran Aaron Shampklin to add depth to their running back position in Mattison’s absence.

The Dolphins will next face the Detroit Lions in their second preseason game at 1 p.m. EDT Saturday in Detroit, before they host the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason finale Aug. 23 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

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