Alexander Mattison's season-ending neck injury redefines Miami's backfield. De’Von Achane remains the centerpiece, with Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II providing depth behind him. The Dolphins added Aaron Shampklin and Mike Boone to test veteran options, signaling a shift toward experienced relief behind Achane as the starter absorbs a heavier workload. Shampklin, Harvard alum with Steelers ties, brings a quirky path to the league, while Boone offers 72-game, four-team familiarity. In fantasy terms, expect Achane to carry a bigger share, Wright to operate as a solid complementary piece, and Boone/Shampklin to mix in on passing downs and short-yardage as the Dolphins navigate Week 1 and beyond.

The roster churn underscores the volatility of RB depth in the NFL. Mattison’s exit leaves a gap that the Dolphins are filling with veteran experimentation rather than immediate star power. Wright’s role could stabilize as the clear #2, but the true upside resides in Achane’s expanded touches and the team's willingness to lean on him in early-down and goal-line situations. Shampklin’s Harvard arc and Boone’s career resume add intrigue for late-roster bets and weekly DFS pivots while Miami maps a plan to stay balanced without sacrificing explosiveness.

Alexander Mattison’s neck injury in the preseason opener sidelined him for the 2025 season and landed him on injured reserve after surgery in Chicago. He carried eight yards and a touchdown on three rushing attempts before the injury, and Miami had pegged him as the primary power back to pair with De'Von Achane’s speed and Jaylen Wright’s depth. In response, the Dolphins added Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin to bolster the backfield behind Achane, Gordon II, Wright, and the rest of the group.

Mattison’s exit opens a clear path for Ollie Gordon II, who topped Miami’s rushing ledger in the weekend’s play with 33 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. The sixth-round pick may be thrust into a larger role as the Dolphins navigate a crowded backfield, while Boone and Shampklin provide veteran and special-teams depth. Fantasy managers should monitor Gordon II’s opportunity window as the backfield reconstitutes itself.

Bottom line: Miami’s backfield now leans into a deeper, more committee-like approach, with Gordon II offering upside as the rookie seizes a glow of opportunity. The team’s week-to-week plan will hinge on how the new signings integrate and how Gordon II handles increased exposure behind Achane and Wright.

Miami is adding Aaron Shampklin to its backfield, signing the Harvard alum after Alexander Mattison’s neck injury ends his season. Shampklin appeared in three Steelers games last year, totaling 17 yards on six carries, but has spent time on multiple practice squads and spent 2024 with Pittsburgh. Miami faces a crowded RB room with De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Ollie Gordon II, making a 53-man roster decision likely to hinge on special teams value and depth beyond the top trio.

Shampklin’s best path may be a practice-squad or depth contributing role, while veteran Jamaal Williams drew a workout on Monday, signaling the Dolphins are looking for both insurance and experience behind the rookie speed duo. Fantasy angles center on how Miami splits snaps behind Achane and Wright, and whether Williams or Shampklin can carve a meaningful Week 1 role if injuries persist or roster moves shift before the season starts.

Miami signs Aaron Shampklin to bolster the backfield after Alexander Mattison’s season-ending neck injury, positioning De’Von Achane as the primary home-run hitter and giving Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II a path to power carries. Shampklin flashed in three regular-season Steelers games last year and could contribute on special teams as well, though his size limits him as a short-yardage option.

In Sunday’s 24-24 preseason draw with Chicago, Wright, Gordon II and Mattison all found paydirt, with Wright being stymied on a late goal-line try. With Mattison out for 2025, Miami’s depth chart remains fluid, and the club could add another veteran. The next tune-ups against Detroit and Jacksonville will reveal how soon Shampklin might see meaningful touches beyond special-teams duty.

From a fantasy lens, Achane remains the centerpiece. Shampklin’s role will hinge on special-teams impact and occasional change-of-pace bursts, while Wright and Gordon II provide volume insurance and occasional red-zone options. Monitor any further signings or roster moves that could shift Week 1 workload dynamics.