Chris Bell's Cautious Return
Dolphins Activate Rookie Chris Bell from ACL Injury; Plan Cautious Return
Key Points
Bell wore a red non-contact jersey during Monday practice as he returned from the non-football injury list.
A number of Dolphins players were not practicing or sidelined on Monday, including QB Quinn Ewers, LB Jordyn Brooks, DT Zach Sieler, DT Kenneth Grant, CB JuJu Brents, DL Zeek Biggers, LB Ronnie Harrison Jr., edge rusher Clelin Ferrell and TE Ben Sims; Caleb Douglas also left the field briefly with a trainer.
Defensive lineman Zach Sieler was described as week-to-week, and cornerbacks Storm Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. were on the physically unable to perform list, staying sidelined during practice.
Caleb Douglas left practice briefly to receive treatment, with hydration issues noted as a possible cause before he returned to the field.
Bell could be available for the Sept. 13 season opener against Las Vegas, potentially helping Miamis Week 1 receiving corps after his return.
The Miami Dolphins activated rookie wide receiver Chris Bell off the non-football injury list on Monday, Aug. 17, marking his first practice since tearing his ACL at Louisville, according to Miami Herald. Bell wore a red non-contact jersey and was limited to individual drills, with coaches planning a slow, cautious ramp-up toward the Sept. 13 season opener against Las Vegas.
Bell's return adds a size-appropriate target to a receiving corps that already includes Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington. But his path back is not without risk — the Dolphins are keeping his workload light, making preseason action unlikely, according to Sun Sentinel.
Bell's First Day Back: Red Jersey and Limited Reps
Bell had been on the non-football injury list since Nov. 14, 2024, spending months doing rehab assignments, Miami Herald reported. On Monday, he stepped onto the field for the first time in camp. He worked only in individual drills and did not join 11-on-11 team work. The red jersey signals he cannot be contacted during practice.
Pensacola News Journal noted that Bell's activation is a positive step, but the team is in no rush. Coaches plan to ease him back gradually, building his conditioning before allowing full participation. Preseason game action appears unlikely given the conservative approach.
Several Starters Sit Out as Injury List Grows
Bell's activation was not the only headline Monday. A long list of players missed practice entirely, according to Sun Sentinel. Those sidelined included QB Quinn Ewers, LB Jordyn Brooks, DT Zach Sieler, DT Kenneth Grant, CB JuJu Brents, DL Zeek Biggers, LB Ronnie Harrison Jr., edge rusher Clelin Ferrell, and TE Ben Sims. Cornerbacks Storm Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. remained on the physically unable to perform list.
Sieler's situation is the most serious among the defensive linemen — coaches described him as week-to-week, Orlando Sentinel reported. Wide receiver Caleb Douglas also left the field briefly with a trainer, though hydration was cited as a possible cause. He returned to practice before the session ended.
Bell Could Expand Malik Willis's Week 1 Target Options
Miami's offense is building around backup quarterback Malik Willis for now, and Bell's return gives Willis another weapon to work with. Bell joins Douglas and Malik Washington as likely targets in the Week 1 passing game. Rookie Kevin Coleman is also competing for playing time, adding depth at the position.
On Monday, running back De'Von Achane made gains during 11-on-11 drills, and wide receiver Tahj Washington hauled in a 39-yard touchdown, according to Sun Sentinel. Those plays show the offense has weapons even while Bell ramps up. If Bell stays healthy through camp, he could be a full participant by the Las Vegas opener.
What Bell's Return Means for Miami's Season Outlook
The Dolphins are being careful — and for good reason. A torn ACL is one of the most serious knee injuries in football. Rushing a player back raises the risk of re-injury, which could cost Bell the entire season. The team's slow ramp-up plan reflects that reality, according to Yahoo Sports.
If Bell stays on track, Miami gets a bigger, proven receiver to add to its Week 1 package. That would give the Dolphins a fuller offensive toolbox heading into a season where depth at receiver matters. For now, optimism is warranted — but the team is letting health, not hype, set the pace.
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