Miami Dolphins Elevate WR Chris Bell From NFI List
The Miami Dolphins started this week with major roster news as they prepare for their joint practice with the New York Giants and their upcoming preseason game. Third-round pick, wide receiver Chris Bell, was elevated from the non-football injury list Monday morning.
Bell a Medical Marvel
The Louisville product suffered an ACL injury back in November and has worked and rehabbed his way back remarkably ahead of schedule. As indicated by head coach Jeff Hafley last week, Bell was closing in on his return. A confident and smiling Hafley told reporters after footage showed Bell working on running routes, “He looks good though, doesn’t he? You can say yes.”
Bell’s return has ignited a flurry of excitement among Dolphins fans, as he and fellow rookie receiver Caleb Douglas could become a formidable and potent pair of targets for quarterback Malik Willis.
Ready for Week 1 Action?
Bell’s activation still requires him to return to full-contact practice and appear in a preseason game. His exact regular-season debut may not be certain for Week 1, but it would be surprising if it came later than Miami’s Week 3 home debut after the Dolphins open the season with two games out west.
Should Bell be active and in uniform for Miami’s season opener in Las Vegas against the Raiders, it would be extremely impressive, especially considering how skeptical many were that he would be ready for Week 1.
Impressive College Career
Bell’s potential, which he showcased during his four seasons at Louisville, could make him one of, if not the, steals of the 2026 NFL Draft. Selected 94th overall, Bell possesses first-round talent and could ultimately make general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan look like a genius.
Bell had an impressive senior season at Louisville before his injury, recording 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games. Over four seasons with the Cardinals, he finished with 151 catches, 2,166 yards, and 12 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per reception for his career.
Dolphins WR Room
His elevation will create problems for veterans competing for a roster spot. Bell is now expected to be part of the initial 53-man roster, and alongside Douglas, Malik Washington and fellow rookie Kevin Coleman Jr., there could be just two spots remaining in the wide receiver room.
Competing for those final spots will be Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, AJ Henning, Theo Wease Jr., Jalen Reagor, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Donaven McCulley.
