Dolphins activate receiver Chris Bell off of non-football injury list

On Friday, Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas had an impressive performance in the team’s first preseason game of the 2026 NFL season. On Monday, the Dolphins announced that fellow third-round pass catcher, Chris Bell, would soon join his draft-mate on the practice fields in Miami Gardens.

Bell — the second receiver drafted by Miami in the third-round of this year’s selection process — was activated off of the club’s active/non-football injury list this morning. The activation allows the Louisville product to begin practicing with his teammates instead of merely working off to the side like he has been doing since training camp started.

Bell tore his ACL in November of last year — causing the player who was once considered a late-first round prospect to drop all the way to the 94th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. In four college seasons, Bell totaled 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns.

On Monday, Bell practiced in a red non-contact jersey, so it remains to be seen when he will be cleared in full, but being able to get valuable reps with his quarterback, Malik Willis, is a positive step forward for the rookie. We will continue to keep you updated on all things Miami Dolphins as the team begins preparation for their second preseason contest taking place this Saturday against the New York Giants.