Dolphins' Chris Bell Admits He is Not 100 Percent in Crucial Area

Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Chris Bell has been very forthcoming about his recovery from the torn ACL that he suffered during the 2025 season with Louisville. Despite his only live-game action coming in the third and final preseason game, the rookie is also slated to be a starter in Week 1.

During media availability, Bell spoke out about what it means to be named a starter for the first game of the regular season. He also admitted that he is not 100 percent in one crucial area of his skill set.

Bell showed a bit of why the Dolphins were confident in drafting him in the third round during the final preseason game, as he picked up 22 yards on two receptions. He was targeted five times, one of which was a drop after he took a big hit.

Despite the big shot, Bell jumped up and jogged off the field, seemingly unharmed. He spoke about the need to take those kinds of hits so his body could get used to the physical nature of the game.

Bell is also a wide-framed receiver who comes in at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. He has the kind of size and catch radius that can lead to many opportunities for contested catch situations from quarterback Malik Willis. 

The rookie receiver is certainly ready for Week 1, but he admitted that is still not 100 percent when it comes to his conditioning.

During media availability, Bell spoke about his need to keep training his body to get back to full football shape, espcially in his conditioning. 

"On the conditioning level, I probably would say in the like 80s, 85 percent, you know, I still got, you know, a lot to learn. You know, they kind of, you know, I got to go like two plays back-to-back, and then I probably get a break and stuff like that, but I got to, you know, just keep getting in shape so I can be able to, you know, go all day," Bell said.

Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley also admitted something similar when he confirmed that Bell was among the rookies who would get a starting position. 

"We're gonna we're gonna play him see how he feels," Hafley said.

Bell clearly listens to his body, as he admitted that he would likely be out for two plays before needing to take a break. He did get a lot of action during that third preseason game, as he was targeted in rapid succession on consecutive plays.

The Dolphins may have many positions figured out, but the wide receiver position remains one of the biggest question marks.

Of the three starters, Bell is one, fellow rookie Caleb Douglas, and other is Malik Washington. Washington is the longest-tenured of the three, but is only going into his third year with the Dolphins. 

Washington was also seldomed use in 2025, as he secured 317 yards and three toucdowns.

Miami may have some questions at wide receiver, but the trio could potentially break out and form a strong unit, especially if their chemistry with Willis shines in Week 1.