Miami Dolphins Activate WR Chris Bell From NFI List
The Miami Dolphins received some encouraging injury news Monday, activating rookie wide receiver Chris Bell from the active/non-football injury (NFI) list as he continues his comeback from a torn ACL.
Bell had been on the NFI list since the beginning of training camp because of the knee injury he suffered during his final season at Louisville. Since the injury occurred before Bell entered the NFL, he was designated for the NFI list rather than the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
His activation represents a significant step forward for one of Miami’s most intriguing rookies.
Bell Finally Gets His Opportunity
The Dolphins selected Bell with the 94th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, knowing they might have to be patient with him early in his rookie season.
Bell tore his ACL late in Louisville’s 2025 season, but his rehabilitation has progressed throughout the offseason and training camp. Head coach Jeff Hafley recently said Bell was making significant progress, including running, cutting, accelerating, and decelerating as the Dolphins worked toward getting him back on the practice field.
Now, Miami will finally have an opportunity to see what Bell can do in a practice setting.
The Dolphins certainly don’t need to rush him. Bell has missed virtually the entire offseason program and training camp, so there will naturally be an adjustment period as he gets accustomed to the speed of NFL practices and begins to develop chemistry with Miami’s quarterbacks.
Still, getting Bell activated before the end of the preseason is a positive development.
Why the Dolphins Are Excited About Bell
Bell was one of Miami’s more intriguing selections in the 2026 draft because of the combination of size, speed, and physicality he brings to the wide receiver position.
At roughly 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Bell gives Miami a bigger-bodied target capable of making contested catches while also creating yards after the catch. The Dolphins were particularly impressed with his athletic traits and upside when they selected him.
Bell finished his Louisville career with 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per reception. His best season came in 2025, when he recorded 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns in only 11 games before suffering the knee injury.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan described Bell as a player with significant talent and upside following the draft, calling the selection a “long-term investment.”
That’s important to remember now that Bell is returning.
The Dolphins drafted him because of what they believe he can become, not necessarily because they expected him to immediately step into a major role in Week 1.
Roster Move | We have activated wide receiver Chris Bell off the non-football injury list. pic.twitter.com/W6TXv0nv3L
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 17, 2026
Can Bell Make an Immediate Impact?
The biggest question now becomes how quickly Bell can get himself into football shape.
Bell will have to demonstrate that his knee can handle the workload while also learning Miami’s offense and making up for the valuable practice repetitions he missed.
Bell’s skill set is somewhat different from some of Miami’s other receivers. His combination of size and explosiveness could eventually give the Dolphins another weapon capable of working across the middle of the field, breaking tackles after the catch, and winning contested situations.
Before his injury, Bell had generated significant NFL Draft buzz. His performance against the University of Miami last season provided a glimpse of his potential, as he finished with 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns at Hard Rock Stadium.
A Welcome Development for Miami
For most of training camp, the story surrounding Chris Bell has been about when he would finally be cleared to participate.
Miami now has its answer.
Bell’s activation doesn’t mean he will immediately become a major contributor, and expectations should remain reasonable, given that he is returning from a significant knee injury. But simply getting him back onto the active roster and giving him an opportunity to practice is an important milestone.
NFL.com currently lists Bell as active on Miami’s roster.
The next step will be seeing how Bell responds once the Dolphins increase his workload.
Miami invested a third-round selection in Bell because the organization believes he has the physical tools to eventually become an important part of its passing attack. After spending the first portion of training camp watching from the sidelines, Bell can finally begin showing the Dolphins what he can do.
And with the regular season approaching, his return gives Miami another talented young player to watch closely over the remainder of the preseason.
