Scary neck injury sidelines former Boise State running back for NFL season
Former Boise State running back Alexander Mattison has been ruled out for the 2025 NFL season after sustaining a neck injury last weekend.
Mattison, who played for Boise State from 2016 to 2018, landed on his head after being tackled in the fourth quarter of the Miami Dolphins’ preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He was taken to a Chicago hospital by ambulance and underwent season-ending neck surgery, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on Tuesday that the injury was not career-ending.
The incident occurred after Mattison was thrown to the ground by Bears rookie defensive back Tysheem Johnson at the end of a 21-yard reception. Mattison was able to walk off the field under his own power.
Mattison was playing in his first game for the Dolphins, having signed a one-year deal after spending the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Before Las Vegas, Mattison was a permanent fixture for the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Mattison led the Raiders with 420 rushing yards in 2024, and also scored four touchdowns. He was in the mix to be the Dolphins’ primary power back in 2025.
Mattison appeared in 40 games for Boise State across three years. He was named to the 2018 All-Mountain West team and was the offensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West championship game, rushing for 200 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos fell 19-16 to Fresno State in overtime.
