Alexander Mattison suffered a season-ending surgery. This was not the news Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins wanted to hear, but once it happened, the team had to act. Hence, they got a player who was under Mike Tomlin on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dolphins, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, signed running back Aaron Shampklin. He was recently in talks with the Bears and Jets, but after working out with Miami, and seeing Mattison’s news, the team decided to sign him. Shampklin played three games for the Steelers in 2024.
Entering his second year, the Harvard product only had six attempts for 17 yards. However, as a kick returner, he racked up 101 yards on four returns. Shampklin went undrafted in 2024 and after playing for Tomlin, now gets a second chance in the NFL.
How is the Dolphins running back depth chart looking?
This is a key season for the Dolphins as Mike McDaniel will enter the hot seat if the season doesn’t go well. One of the things that made him a head coach was the fact that he is from the Kyle Shanahan tree, which means he should be an offensive mastermind with an emphasis on having a great running game.
De’Von Achane is the Dolphins running back
As of now, the running department relies on De’Von Achane as the primary ball handler. Jaylen Wright will be the second in command now that Mattison is out for the season, followed by Shampklin and sixth-round NFL rookie Ollie Gordon II.
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How about the wide receivers?
If healthy, the wide receiver corp for Tua Tagovailoa on this team should be among the best in the NFL. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are excellent wideouts but the Dolphins also went ahead and signed Nick Westbrook-Ihine, who might not be a household name, but he will be very good. He scored nine touchdowns last year for the Titans.
Also, remember the Dolphins also signed retired tight end Darren Waller. While he is now on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he is working on getting on football form. Waller at his best is one very good weapon to have as well.
