MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins activated rookie wide receiver Chris Bell from the active/non-football injury list Monday, paving the way for the third-round pick to make his practice debut.
Bell, wearing a red non-contact jersey, practiced for the first time Monday. He participated in stretching and individual drills, but he sat out of 11-on-11 work.
Bell, who was at one point projected to be a late first-round pick before tearing his ACL in December, was selected by the Dolphins with the 94th overall pick. Dating back to spring practices, Bell had been working out with trainers before practice, but had not otherwise participated in on-field activities.
The Dolphins have insisted they will be patient with Bell's return as to not hinder the beginning of his career.
Bell's return to full health could potentially give Miami an exciting pair of young wide receivers. Fellow rookie Caleb Douglas has been one of the standout players at training camp and started the Dolphins' preseason opener against the Washington Commanders.
In four seasons at Louisville, Bell recorded 2,166 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 151 catches. In an upset win over the Miami Hurricanes in October, Bell finished with 136 yards and two touchdowns on nine catches.