Overview
- The Dolphins activated Chris Bell on Monday, Aug. 17, and he immediately resumed limited on-field work in a red non-contact jersey doing individual drills but not full 11-on-11.
- Bell tore the ACL in his right knee on Nov. 22 while finishing his career at Louisville and was still selected by Miami in the third round (94th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Because he was taken off the NFI list before the regular season, Miami must either keep Bell on the 53-man roster or move him to injured reserve after the Aug. 30 roster deadline to free a spot.
- Coach Jeff Hafley has emphasized a cautious ramp-up and said Bell will skip the Dolphins’ Thursday joint practice with the Giants and will not play in Saturday’s preseason game as he builds up contact and timing.
- Bell is viewed as a high-upside, physical target whose skill set has drawn comparisons to A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel and whose availability could materially boost rookie QB Malik Willis and Miami’s young receiving corps.