Dolphins rookie WR is thrilled to practice after long injury recovery

The Miami Dolphins drafted three wide receivers during the 2026 NFL draft, with third-round pick Chris Bell capturing attention this week. Bell had been on the non-football injury list following ACL surgery he underwent during his final season at Louisville. The team activated him on Monday, and he has since been practicing for the last two days wearing a red non-contact jersey.

Upon speaking to reporters after Tuesday's practice, Bell expressed his excitement about returning to the practice field. He admitted to feeling nervous during his first practice, but he is now focusing on getting back into football shape and running routes. Bell stressed that his primary goal is to regain his physical condition after a long period away from the sport.

While Bell is making progress in his recovery, he has not yet been cleared for tackling. The next step in his rehabilitation will involve integrating tackling drills into his practice routine. Bell acknowledged that he hopes to be ready for the Dolphins' Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

In addition to his physical rehabilitation, Bell is working on building a rapport with his quarterback. He observed that the connection is developing, but it will require time to establish a strong partnership. Bell highlighted his quarterback's leadership qualities and expressed his appreciation for his support during the recovery process.