The Miami Dolphins are continuing their preparations for the 2026 season while several young players compete for opportunities during training camp. Among them is rookie wide receiver Chris Bell, who entered the NFL with significant expectations after being selected by Miami in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bell’s path to the Dolphins has been different from most rookies. The former Louisville receiver suffered a torn ACL during his final college season, an injury that affected his draft stock after he had been viewed as a potential first- or second-round selection. He has spent the offseason rehabbing while the Dolphins have remained careful with his return.
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound receiver could eventually give Miami another option in a wide receiver group that is looking for more production. The Dolphins finished 27th in the NFL in yards and 25th in points last season, making Bell’s eventual availability an important part of the team’s offensive outlook.
Jeff Hafley Says Chris Bell Is Progressing, But Timeline Remains Unclear
GettyMiami Dolphins Wide Receiver Chris Bell
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley gave an encouraging but blunt update on Chris Bell’s recovery Friday, saying the rookie is progressing well but is not yet at the point where Miami can provide a specific return timeline.
“Chris is progressing nicely,” Hafley said. “You saw him run yesterday. He’s accelerating. He’s decelerating. He’s able to cut.”
Bell was spotted running routes and catching passes earlier in the week, providing a glimpse of his progress after months of rehabilitation. Hafley credited Bell’s work, along with the team’s training and strength staffs, for helping him reach this stage.
“I think that’s a credit to Chris how hard he’s worked,” Hafley said.
The Dolphins, however, are not rushing the process. Bell remains on the non-football injury list, and Hafley made clear that the team wants him fully ready before putting him back into regular practice.
“We want to be certain that he’s in ready so he does not have setbacks early in his career,” Hafley said.
Hafley also made clear that Bell’s return is not a matter of days or weeks. He would not describe the receiver as “day-to-day” or “week-to-week,” while also indicating that he does not expect the recovery to be a long-term issue.
That leaves the Dolphins without a firm activation date for Bell, even as his recent work provides a positive sign.
Chris Bell Could Benefit From Preseason Action
If Bell is cleared to return to practice, Hafley believes getting preseason reps could be valuable before the rookie enters his first regular-season games.
“It would be a huge benefit right to get him comfortable and if possible to play him in a preseason game before he has to actually go on playing real games,” Hafley said. “Yeah, that would be huge.”
Hafley stopped short of expressing confidence that Bell will play during the preseason. He said he hopes it happens but acknowledged that the Dolphins are still waiting to see how the recovery develops.
“Am I confident that will happen? I’m not sure yet,” Hafley said. “But that would be a very, very big benefit for him to start getting some work in a preseason game.”
Bell’s eventual return could also add another dimension to Miami’s offense. Before his ACL injury, he was considered a high-level draft prospect because of his ability to make plays against defenders.
The Dolphins selected him 94th overall after the injury caused his draft stock to fall. Now, Miami’s priority is making sure Bell can return without suffering an early setback.
For now, his progress on the field is encouraging, but his exact return date remains undetermined.
Jeff Hafley Gives Blunt Update on Chris Bell’s Return Timeline