MIAMI — Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is taking a measured approach to his recovery from a torn ACL, acknowledging that he has one more critical step to take before reaching full form.
According to Dolphins Wire, Bell played in the team’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons after being removed from the non-football-injury list. During that limited action, he caught two passes for 22 yards.
Despite the on-field success in the exhibition matchup, Bell is candid about the road ahead. He stated that while his body is healing, he needs to rebuild his confidence and physical conditioning before he can perform at an elite level.
Rebuilding Confidence After ACL
The mental component of Bell’s return is just as important as the physical rehabilitation. Bell aims to replicate the production he showed in college, specifically pointing to his final season where he recorded 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns.
“I need to get my confidence back,” Bell noted regarding the transition from practice limitations to game speed. “I need to feel like I can go full speed without worrying about re-injury or hesitation.”
What Comes Next
The Dolphins will be monitoring Bell’s progress closely as training camp intensifies. Coaches will look for signs of regained trust in his legs and a return to the target share he displayed at the collegiate level.
Bell’s timeline for full game action remains uncertain, but his participation in the preseason suggests he is on track to contribute to the roster before Week 1 against Las Vegas. The organization hopes Bell can bridge the gap between his current conditioning and the high-velocity demands of the NFL season.