Alexander Mattison’s season-ending neck surgery in Chicago upends Miami’s running-back plan for 2025. The Dolphins signed Mattison to be the power back beside De’Von Achane’s burst and Jaylen Wright’s versatility, but the preseason injury opens a door for Ollie Gordon II. Gordon II surged in the preseason with 33 rushing yards and a score on eight carries, hinting at a larger role as a rookie from Oklahoma State who rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 TD in 2023 and earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Miami is also weighing Jamaal Williams as an outside option, per ESPN. With Mattison out, Achane remains the speed threat, Wright serves as a multi-purpose piece, and Gordon could be the early-down hammer while Williams could join as a veteran addition if he signs. The backfield now centers on Gordon’s acclimation and whether Williams lands in Miami, shaping the fantasy landscape in this high-octane offense.

In the background, the Dolphins’ decision to explore options beyond the building underscores the uncertainty at the position. Williams is a known quantity from New Orleans, and the potential addition would add a veteran floor to the committee. The Bears were the preseason opponent during Mattison’s injury, and the Raiders were cited for Mattison’s prior 2024 stint, which adds context to his career arc. For fantasy managers, Achane still looks like the top play in Miami’s backfield, but Gordon’s emergence and the Williams workout could nudge the workload toward a split that adds risk to relying on any single Dolphins back, especially early in the season as coaches test the new look without Mattison.