MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins have moved with urgency to address a significant blow to their running back room, signing Aaron Shampklin after veteran Alexander Mattison was ruled out for the entire season. The move provides a new body for the backfield as the team grapples with the loss of a key offseason acquisition.
The news broke on Monday that Alexander Mattison, who was having an impressive training camp and was expected to be the team's primary power-back, underwent season-ending neck surgery. The injury, which initially appeared to be minor neck and shoulder soreness following a preseason game against the Chicago Bears, was more serious than first believed and will sideline him for the year.
The loss of Mattison is a substantial setback for a Dolphins offense that was looking to establish a more physical ground game. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound veteran was brought in to provide stability in short-yardage and red-zone situations, areas where the team struggled at times last season. With Mattison now headed for injured reserve, the Dolphins' running back depth chart suddenly looked thin.
In response, the team immediately began working out potential replacements. Among those considered was veteran Jamaal Williams, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022. However, the Dolphins ultimately decided to sign Aaron Shampklin.
Who is Aaron Shampklin?
Aaron Shampklin is a 25-year-old running back who went undrafted out of Harvard in 2022. While he may not be a household name, he has been on the radar of several NFL teams, spending time on the practice squads of the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Los Angeles Chargers. Last season, he appeared in three games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording six carries for 17 yards.
Shampklin, at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, offers a different skillset than the physical Mattison. He is known for being a hard-nosed runner with good hands and strong special teams ability. His collegiate career at Harvard was highly productive; he earned First-Team All-Ivy League honors twice and ran for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
What Does This Mean for the Dolphins' Running Back Room?
With Mattison out, the Dolphins' running back competition now takes on a new look. The team will lean heavily on its established star, De'Von Achane, whose explosive speed and versatility make him a threat every time he touches the ball.
The signing of Shampklin puts him in a direct competition with second-year player Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II. All three will be vying for a spot on the 53-man roster and a chance to earn snaps as complementary backs to Achane. The Dolphins will be looking for a player who can not only contribute on offense but also be a reliable presence on special teams, a role Shampklin's background makes him well-suited for.
The clock is now ticking for the Dolphins as they work to finalize their running back rotation before the regular season begins. The signing of Aaron Shampklin is the first step in a new plan to navigate the season without the veteran presence of Alexander Mattison, and it sets the stage for an intense competition over the final weeks of the preseason.
