The rookie’s return adds another talented option to the Miami Dolphins’ receiver competition while giving him valuable time to build chemistry with Malik Willis.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Great news surrounded the Miami Dolphins on Monday as the team announced it activated rookie wide receiver Chris Bell from the active/non-football injury list.
Bell, a third-round pick out of Louisville who torched the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium last season, has been working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in November.
Bell was wearing a red non-contact jersey and practiced for the first time on Monday at the Baptist Health Training Complex.
Bell missed all of OTAs and the start of training camp while recovering from the injury, which he had surgically repaired in December.
Head coach Jeff Hafley has been direct with the media during past availabilities, saying Bell is working as hard as he possibly can to return to the field and begin working with quarterback Malik Willis, who looked fabulous during one drive in the Dolphins’ 20-7 preseason-opening loss to the Washington Commanders on Friday.
Bell's return should provide a boost to a young Dolphins receiver room that can use as many talented bodies as possible competing for opportunities.
Miami got a preview Friday of what another young receiver could potentially bring.
Caleb Douglas, selected No. 75 overall in April, provided a spark in his preseason debut against Washington, including a one-handed catch in the first quarter on a gorgeous ball from Willis that also drew a defensive pass interference penalty.
Douglas showed the kind of playmaking ability that made him an intriguing selection for Miami, giving the Dolphins another young receiver capable of creating separation and making something happen with the ball in his hands.
That is what makes Bell’s return so important.
The Dolphins do not need Bell to immediately become a major contributor. After missing several months, the priority is getting comfortable with the playbook, regaining confidence in his knee, and working his way back into football shape.
Once he is fully healthy and ready to go, Miami will have another talented player competing for snaps alongside Douglas.
Bell was selected in the third round for a reason and might have been drafted higher if not for the injury.
Bell comes in at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, and has the makings of a receiver who can also make contested catches, similar to what fellow Douglas pulled off in the preseason opener.
Having two players who can stretch the field will give the Dolphins' offense more time to set up runs with De'Von Achane and give Willis the time to also work through his progressions and get the ball to someone over the middle, like tight end Greg Dulcich or Malik Washington.
His size, athleticism and production at Louisville gave Miami plenty to like, and getting him back on the field allows the coaching staff to finally see how those traits translate to the Dolphins’ offense.
Between Bell getting back on the field and Douglas flashing against Washington, Miami suddenly has two young receivers who can inject some energy into the room.
If Bell and Douglas can produce right away, that would have Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan smiling from ear to ear.
