Dolphins signing running back amid Alexander Mattison's season-ending injury

David Furones, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Aug 11, 2025

Published in Football

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The Miami Dolphins immediately got to work in finding a new running back after news came out Monday that Alexander Mattison was lost for the season with a neck injury.

The Dolphins are signing Aaron Shampklin, who appeared in three regular-season games with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, according to a league source confirming an NFL Network report.

Shampklin is 5 foot 10, 195 pounds, so he wouldn’t present any kind of replacement for the short-yardage capabilities of the 220-pound Mattison, but coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins could also lean on fellow tailbacks on the roster — Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II — for power running to complement speedy lead back De’Von Achane.

Mattison, Wright and Gordon all scored touchdowns in Sunday’s 24-24 preseason draw against the Chicago Bears. Wright, though was stuffed on third- and fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line on Miami’s opening drive.

Mattison will miss the 2025 season as he undergoes neck surgery after he came down hard on his head on a catch and run in Sunday’s exhibition.

Shampklin, a Harvard alum, had six carries for 17 yards in his three games with the Steelers last season. He also had four kick returns, so he can compete for a special teams role, although the Dolphins were strong in the return game Sunday at Soldier Field.

Shampklin was the choice Monday, although Miami also reportedly tried out hefty veteran Jamaal Williams, who led the league with 17 touchdowns in 2022.

The Dolphins could still opt to add another tailback as they only have four on the training camp roster and they’ll need running backs to eat up second-half carries in remaining preseason games against the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.