The Miami Dolphins didn’t come away from their visit to Chicago in great shape—especially on offense.
After a tough joint practice where wide receiver Jaylen Waddle sustained a minor injury, the Dolphins took another major hit during Sunday’s 24-24 preseason tie with the Bears, losing a key piece of their backfield.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, running back Alexander Mattison underwent neck surgery on Sunday that will sideline him for the entire season.
Before exiting the game, Mattison logged three carries for eight yards and a touchdown.
His absence is a significant loss for Miami’s run game. At 5’11” and 220 pounds, Mattison brought the kind of power and physicality the Dolphins need in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Earlier this offseason, Tyreek Hill publicly stated that Miami needed more physical runners for third downs—hinting that De’Von Achane, while explosive, wasn’t built for those gritty runs.
Mattison, a 2019 third-round pick by the Vikings, has played in 89 games over six seasons, totaling 2,790 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 1,012 receiving yards and seven receiving scores.
He was listed third on the Dolphins’ depth chart behind Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright. With Mattison now out, sixth-round rookie Ollie Gordon may see a bigger role, especially in short-yardage and red zone plays.
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