Dolphins Sign Former Vikings RB
The Miami Dolphins will mitigate the fallout of losing a former Minnesota Vikings running back for all of 2025 to an injury — by signing a different former Minnesota Vikings running back.
The Dolphins have signed former Vikings RB as part of a roster move that also placed Alexander Mattison on the shelf for 2025. Here’s a look at the fit.
Miami lost Alexander Mattison to a neck injury last weekend, and in response, general manager Chris Grier plucked Mike Boone off the free-agent wire.
The two were teammates in Minnesota from 2019 to 2020.
Alexander Mattison Out, Mike Boone In for the Dolphins
Boone will compete for a roster spot in the next two weeks.
RB Mike Boone to the Dolphins
It’s a done deal for Boone in Miami.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Monday, “The Dolphins are doubling down on running back additions in the wake of Alexander Mattison’s season-ending neck injury. In addition to the previously reported move to add Aaron Shampklin to the backfield, the Dolphins announced that they have signed Mike Boone on Monday.”
Boone, who ran a 4.42 forty before the 2018 NFL Draft, will hope to use that speed for the Dolphins in the preseason. And it’s no secret that Miami loves speed.
Life after Alexander Mattison
Mattison was on deck this season to fill an RB3 or RB4 role behind the primary RBs, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. His neck injury ended that hope, with Mattison hoping to heal in time for 2026.
Achane and Wright will assume the bulk of rushing snaps for the 2025 Dolphins, but like all NFL teams, an RB3 is needed, and most clubs have a tailback or two on the practice squad.
That’s where Boone comes in, vying for the RB3 post, which will be announced in two weeks amid roster cutdowns.
The Dolphins’ RB Room
These are Miami’s halfbacks before Preseason Game No. 2:
- De’Von Achane
- Jaylen Wright
- Ollie Gordon
- Mike Boone
- Aaron Shampklin
Gordon, Boone, and Shampklin should receive ample playing time against the Detroit Lions this Saturday.
Boone in Minnesota
Former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman scooped Boone from 2018 free agency after the Cincinnati alumnus went undrafted. He quickly latched onto the active roster and became a fan favorite because of his speed in preseason games.
All told, Boone played in 40 games for the Vikings — yes, that many — starting two, and tabulating 407 yards from scrimmage on 78 touches, along with 4 total touchdowns.
Here’s his NFL resume since 2018:
- Minnesota Vikings (2018–2020)
- Denver Broncos (2021–2022)
- Houston Texans (2023)
- Carolina Panthers (2023–2024)
- Miami Dolphins (2025–present)
ESPN on Mattison, MIA RBs
ESPN added context to the Dolphins’ running back situation this week.
An unattributed author noted, “Mattison suffered the injury after he was tackled on a 21-yard pass play in Sunday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where the surgery took place, the sources told Schefter. The Dolphins signed Mattison to a one-year contract this offseason.”
“Many expected him to take over a short-yardage role that the team had lacked in previous seasons. But he was one of the standout players of training camp, showcasing not just the ability to move the chains in short-yardage situations, but break big runs, as well. Mattison said the Dolphins didn’t pigeonhole him into any specific role and allowed his play to dictate his snaps.”
The Dolphins ranked second-to-last in 2024 per rushing EPA/Play.
ESPN added, “With Mattison sidelined, the Dolphins signed veteran running backs Aaron Shampklin and Mike Boone. Shampklin and Boone will compete with rookie Ollie Gordon II for snaps behind starter De’Von Achane and second-year back Jaylen Wright. Mattison, 27, appeared in 14 games and made seven starts for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.”
“He spent his first five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and has rushed for 2,790 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. He also has caught 136 passes for 1,012 yards with seven touchdown receptions.”
Boone turned 30 this summer.
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