Chris Bell
The Miami Dolphins face a tough spot with rookie wide receiver Chris Bell likely missing Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Jeff Hafley said Bell would probably be listed as doubtful due to a knee injury, per Sports Illustrated. This is a setback, but it is not the torn ACL that ended Bell’s college season last year. The pain came during a practice hit on Wednesday, which stopped him from working on Thursday and Friday.
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Bell’s season has been rough so far, even though he made the team out of training camp. He has played in all eight games but only caught 12 passes for 148 yards, according to Sports Illustrated. That average of 12.3 yards per catch shows some big plays, yet he has zero touchdowns. The rookie also failed to catch a single ball in three different games, including the loss to Detroit where he was targeted just once.
Depth Chart Gets Thin
The injury report hurts the Dolphins because they need more help for quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord steps in for the injured Malik Willis and needs reliable targets to feel comfortable. If Bell sits out, fifth-round rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. could see more time, per Yahoo Sports. The team already has Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington ahead of Bell in the rotation. Veteran Jalen Tolbert might return to the lineup if Jared Wayne stays out with his own quad issue.
Other Key Absences Loom
Bell is not the only player dealing with health problems this week. Center Aaron Brewer will miss the game because he is still in concussion protocol, Hafley confirmed. Andrew Meyer will start in his place at the center position. Will Kacmarek, the tight end, is expected to play after skipping practice earlier in the week. Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. likely stays off the active roster after his first week back from the PUP list.
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The Dolphins and Colts both want to win, but the injuries make this a messy matchup. Rookie linebacker Trey Moore remains on injured reserve with a significant ankle injury from the preseason. Hafley said he was “hopeful” that Moore could return this season, though that looks like a 50-50 chance at best. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
