Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Bell returned to NFL game action Aug. 28 after missing time with a knee injury, recording an 18-yard catch in his first game since late November.
Bell said the appearance was his first NFL game in Miami’s stadium. He also said he had not played football in eight months and was still working toward full football conditioning, but he trusted his knee after taking a hit during the game.
“I trust my knee a lot,” Bell said. He said the hit did not cause significant discomfort and that the contact helped him adjust to game conditions again.
Chris Bell says recovery progressed ahead of initial timeline
Bell said his initial recovery timeline extended later, but his progress led the Miami Dolphins not to hold him back. He credited the trainers, strength staff and coaches while describing his recovery as a day-by-day process.
“At first the timeline was later, but how I just worked and kept improving, there was no reason to hold me back,” Bell said. “So I was just trusting in God and just trusting in the plan that they have for me.”
Bell said he was practicing at full speed and expected to be ready in two weeks. “I’ll be ready. I’m ready now, but I definitely will be ready in two weeks,” he said.
Bell continues building timing with Miami quarterbacks
Bell said he has worked to build timing and relationships with Miami quarterbacks through practice and routes on air. He discussed communicating with Cam during the game and said he was looking forward to developing chemistry with Malik Willis over the next two weeks.
“Now that I’m practicing full speed and things like that and we can build that chemistry and I’m excited for it,” Bell said.
Chris Bell keeps list of receivers drafted before him
Bell said he still keeps a list of receivers drafted before him. He said he had been projected to go in the late first round or early second round before being drafted later, viewing the experience as another opportunity to prove himself.
“Oh yeah, of course I still have that. I still have that list of all those receivers that got drafted before me,” Bell said.
“I’m just happy to be a Dolphin and I’m ready to take on any challenges that come in front of me and I know I’m going to end up on top,” Bell said.
Source: Original report