The Miami Dolphins have encountered a significant setback as running back Alexander Mattison has been ruled out for the entire season due to a neck injury. The injury occurred during the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, where Mattison sustained the injury while making a 21-yard reception. He landed awkwardly and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for surgery. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on August 12, 2023, that the injury is not career-ending, but it leaves the Dolphins grappling with their short-yardage offense.
Mattison joined the Dolphins in March to address the team’s struggles in short-yardage situations, which ranked second-worst in the league in 2024 on third-and-1 conversions. Despite his promising start to training camp, McDaniel emphasized that the team could not rely solely on one player to resolve its offensive challenges. “We weren’t solving any shortcoming of our game by one player,” McDaniel stated, highlighting the need for a broader approach to improve the team’s performance.
Impact of Mattison’s Injury on Dolphins’ Offense
The Dolphins’ short-yardage difficulties were evident during their preseason opener, where they failed to score on three consecutive plays from the 3-yard line. Although Mattison managed a 1-yard touchdown run during the game, the team demonstrated a lack of effectiveness in critical situations, netting just two yards on five short-yardage runs.
With Mattison sidelined, the Dolphins have shifted their focus to rookie Ollie Gordon II, who is expected to play a more prominent role in the offense. Gordon, measuring 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 225 pounds, showcased his potential with eight carries for a team-high 33 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. McDaniel acknowledged that while Gordon has been impressive with the ball, the challenge lies in ensuring he executes well when he does not have it.
“The main thing is the dependability and his ability to align and do all the things we ask a back to do,” McDaniel noted. The coaching staff is keen to see Gordon’s growth, both with and without the ball.
Dolphins Add Depth with New Signings
In response to Mattison’s injury, the Dolphins signed running backs Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin. Boone, at 5 feet 10 inches and 206 pounds, comes with a wealth of experience from having played 72 NFL games across four teams, accumulating 117 carries for 590 yards and four touchdowns. Shampklin, who is 5 feet 10 inches and 195 pounds, brings less experience with only three games played for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season but adds depth to the roster.
McDaniel expressed optimism about the new additions, stating, “For where we’re at in camp, where we want competition to always be, and for what we ask our guys to do, we’re excited to add Aaron and Mike.” He emphasized that with younger talents like De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Gordon, the team remains in a strong position to tackle their offensive challenges.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions, they will aim to solidify their short-yardage strategy and adjust to the absence of Mattison, a key player whose contributions were anticipated to enhance the team’s performance. The Dolphins will also host the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 23, 2023, as they continue to refine their game plan leading into the regular season.
