MIAMI GARDENS — The rookie receiver who spent the summer learning he’s impatient has also learned the benefits of patience. So as much as Chris Bell might yearn to be on the field when the Miami Dolphins open the season at the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s making no promises.
In fact, he won’t even say it’s a goal.
“I’m just waiting, taking it day by day, not putting a time frame on it,” Bell said Tuesday (Aug. 18), his second day on the practice field. He was activated this week off the non-football injury list following a knee injury that ended his season at Louisville last year. The Dolphins have him wearing a red, non-contact jersey.
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So while it’s premature to say if Bell will be ready for the opener, what is known is how he feels now, about finally joining teammates in training camp.
“It felt great, having played football in a little minute,” he said. “So my first practice, I was a little nervous, but I’m just out there getting my feet wet and getting back to the swing of things.”
Bell was the middle man among the trio of picks the Dolphins spent toward rebuilding their receiving corps from scratch. He was taken with the 94th pick. Earlier in that third round, the Dolphins selected Caleb Douglas, who has been one of the stars of camp. Two rounds later, Miami took Kevin Coleman.
Coaches haven’t been shy about giving the rookies opportunities, which isn’t lost on Bell.
“It’s not just lip service,” he said. “Yeah, I definitely feel like the rookies have been doing a great job. I ain’t going to lie. Every time I see Caleb make a play, I’m just like, ‘Man, I’m so happy for you, bro.’ Just to see him out there putting on in the NFL, how he did in college, bro, I’d just be smiling at him.”
Dolphins core of young receivers includes Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas
Because the receivers are young and unproven on this level, they’re lightly regarded around the league. Bell doesn’t think that’ll be the case for long.
“I feel like we’ve got a good receiver room, a great receiver room,” he said. “But the young guys are coming along right with the vets. I would say we’ve got a good chance to be something special.”
Bell already has a connection to Hard Rock Stadium. Last October, he caught nine passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns to knock off the second-ranked Miami Hurricanes 24-21. He’s eager to step foot on that field again.
“It’s crazy how you know I had a good game in that stadium, and then spring break I was out here and I was just like, ‘Man, what if I get drafted to the Dolphins?’ ” Bell said. “And I was. It happened. So, it’s gonna be very special, not gonna lie. I love playing on that field.”
Unsurprisingly, coaches are cautious with Bell’s rehab.
“There’s still a lot of steps to go,” coach Jeff Hafley said. “So let’s just see how he progresses. With any injury, could there be a setback? Sure. Could it go smoothly? I hope. …
“We’ll go day by day and see how he progresses. I think everyone’s really excited that he’s back. Got to get him in football shape. He’s got to get in some timing and rhythm with the quarterbacks. But it’s good to have him out there.”
Bell, naturally, is eager to be catching passes from Malik Willis.
“He’ll just be doing crazy stuff every day,” Bell said. “He can run with it, too, and throw it. So he’s a very special quarterback. I can’t wait to play with him this year.”
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Chris Bell on the plan for when he'll see live action
