The Miami Dolphins have activated rookie wide receiver Chris Bell from the Non-football injury list.
The Miami Dolphins have made a big roster move, as the team announced that rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is now activated from the NFI (non-football injury) list. This means that he can return to practice and likely play in a game in the near future.
Bell had been working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in November. The Louisville Cardinanals pass catcher had been one of the most exciting prospects prior to the injury, which saw him drop down the draft boards.
Bell secured 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns during his time at Louisville. He brought in 917 yards and six touchdowns during his senior season prior to the injury.
The Cardinals receiver had been pegged as a first-round target, but the ACL naturally led to many teams backing away from the idea of drafting him. The Dolphins did not, as they selected Bell with the No. 94 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After being drafted, the rookie receiver appeared to show some incredible recovery, as he was running up and down the field during training videos shared on X.
Earlier in training camp, head coach Jeff Hafley had commented on Bell's recovery, indicating that it would be "huge" to get him playing in a preseason game.
"It would be a huge benefit to get him comfortable and, if possible, to get him in a preseason game before he has to go out and play in real games. Yeah, that would be huge. Do I hope that happens? That would be amazing. Am I confident that will happen? I am not sure yet. But that would be a very big benefit to get him started in a preseason game," Hafley said.
That appears now to be a reality that can happen. Hafley also did state that the team would not push Bell to come back sooner than he could due to not wanting him to suffer any sort of setback that could damage his longevity in playing football.
Clearly, the rookie receiver has been showcasing that he is ready to play, as he was removed from the NFI list.
Bell is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds and has the kind of frame and contested catch ability that is similar to that of Caleb Douglas. Douglas already built and showcased the kind of playmaking ability in the preseason opener, as his one-handed catch became the talk of the NFL.
Should Bell not only be able to showcase the same kind of catching prowess but also develop some strong chemistry with quarterback Malik Willis, Miami may have a solid trio alongside Malik Washington.
