Chris Bell's injury in the past as he rolls for Dolphins in preseason

MIAMI GARDENS ― When the Miami Dolphins drafted wide receiver Chris Bell, they hoped he would be available at some point this season. Some point has arrived. Bell made his NFL debut in a presason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, Aug. 28. It was clear from the start that head coach J

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MIAMI GARDENS ― When the Miami Dolphins drafted wide receiver Chris Bell, they hoped he would be available at some point this season.

Some point has arrived.

Bell made his NFL debut in a presason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, Aug. 28.

It was clear from the start that head coach Jeff Hafley wanted to get a sense for how ready Bell is, after having last season ended with an ACL tear.

The Dolphins targeted Bell five times in the first quarter. He caught two passes for 22 yards, including an 18-yarder from quarterback Cam Miller.

Bell, who played last season at Louisville, is a unique weapon.

He was a third-rounder but would have been at least a second-rounder if not hurt.

Miami Dolphins' NFL draft pick of Chris Bell looks smart

Bell is 6-foot-2, 228 pounds. He's fast. And tough. And strong.

"I think he got a lot of savviness to him," Dolphins cornerback JuJu Brents said at the end of training camp. "He a big dude, but he got some stuff about him that you see in like a shorter receiver, so I think he'll be a good complement to all the other receivers we got."

"He looks great," Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich added. "Routes look awesome. He's a stud."

It's possible Bell has as many targets from Malik Willis this season as Malik Washington, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman Jr., Greg Dulcich or De'Von Achane.

Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Bell (18) reacts after gaining yardage against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a pre season game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images

The Dolphins do not figure to have a dominant WR1. It figures the ball will be spread out.

Miami likes that Bell can break tackles.

"I just love his play style," Hafley said near the end of training camp. "He plays with a violence to him, at least looking back at his college tape. He's an explosive player with size."

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Chris Bell's injury in the past as he rolls for Dolphins in preseason