Alexander Mattison, once a prominent running back for the Minnesota Vikings, is embarking on a determined effort to rekindle his professional football career. After an injury forced him to miss the entire 2025 season, Mattison's recent tryout with the Houston Texans marks a significant step in his journey to reclaim a spot in the NFL. His extensive experience and past performance, including over 2,300 rushing yards, position him as a valuable contender in a challenging environment.
Former Vikings Running Back Alexander Mattison Auditions for Houston Texans After Injury Hiatus
In late July 2026, Alexander Mattison, a seasoned running back formerly with the Minnesota Vikings, participated in a tryout for the Houston Texans, as confirmed by NFL transaction records. This development signifies a critical moment for the 28-year-old athlete, who is striving to rejuvenate his NFL career after being sidelined by a neck injury in August 2025 while with the Miami Dolphins. That injury led to his placement on injured reserve, effectively ending his season before it commenced.
Mattison's journey with the Vikings saw him accumulate 2,370 rushing yards across five seasons, establishing him as a player with considerable in-game experience. This background is particularly relevant as he competes for a position during a demanding training camp period. While a tryout does not guarantee a contract, it indicates that Mattison has made substantial progress in his recovery, signaling his readiness to return to the competitive demands of professional football.
However, the path to securing a roster spot with the Texans is fraught with competition. The team's backfield is already robust, featuring established players such as David Montgomery, acquired during the offseason, and Woody Marks, who had an impressive rookie season in 2025 with 703 rushing yards. Additionally, Houston's training camp roster includes promising young talents like Jawhar Jordan and British Brooks, all vying for running back roles, particularly in reserve and special teams capacities.
Given this crowded landscape, Mattison's most probable route to making the team is by securing a final running back position, rather than an immediate prominent offensive role. His extensive experience, which includes 89 regular-season games, 26 starts, 2,790 career rushing yards, and 136 receptions for 1,012 receiving yards, presents a compelling case for the Texans. This versatility in both running and passing situations could be a significant asset for a team evaluating its depth.
Mattison's professional trajectory began when the Vikings drafted him in the third round in 2019. He served as a key backup to Dalvin Cook before stepping into a lead role in 2023, where he achieved a career-high 700 rushing yards, though without a rushing touchdown. He later moved to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, contributing 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns. His stint with the Dolphins in 2025 was cut short by the neck injury.
For Mattison, the tryout with Houston represents a vital opportunity to prove his physical readiness and demonstrate that his neck injury is fully resolved. His ability to outperform younger players, especially those who offer more in special teams, will be crucial. After a year of intense rehabilitation, merely having the chance to showcase his skills to an NFL coaching staff is a monumental achievement in the former starter's determined comeback.
Alexander Mattison's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and unwavering dedication required in professional sports. His comeback bid with the Houston Texans after a significant injury underscores the intense competition and constant evaluation within the NFL. It highlights that talent and experience, when combined with perseverance, can open doors even after setbacks. For fans and aspiring athletes, Mattison's story offers inspiration about overcoming adversity and fighting for a second chance in a highly demanding arena. His efforts to return to peak performance and secure a spot in a competitive roster exemplify the relentless pursuit of excellence inherent in the sport, making his progress a compelling narrative to follow.
