Dolphins Rookie Chris Bell Doubtful For Week 10 After Knee Setback

Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesThe Miami Dolphins face a tough test this Sunday, and their injury list just got longer. Rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is listed as doubtful for the Week 10 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. This news comes right before quarterback Kyle McCord prepares to make his first career start. The timing could not be worse for a team that already struggles to score points.Bell suffered a hit to the same knee that required surgery before he even joined the NFL causing a new knee issue. Head coach Jeff Hafley confirmed the status on Friday, stating the team does not view the issue as a long-term problem. Yet, the immediate impact on the roster is clear. Bell missed the second practice of the week at the Baptist Health Training Complex. He was downgraded from limited participation to no practice at all on Thursday.A Rough Start for a Promising TalentChris Bell entered the league with a lot of hope, but his path has been rocky. Before his draft selection, the 22-year-old receiver’s college career concluded due to a torn ACL. He has worked hard to get back on the field, catching 12 passes for 148 yards in his first eight games. Those numbers show promise, but they are not enough to fill a gap if he sits out. According to Yahoo Sports, the team downgraded his status after seeing how his knee reacted to contact.The Dolphins need every able body right now. The team holds a 1-7 record after losing to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. With the offense already sputtering, losing a rookie who is just finding his rhythm hurts the chances of a comeback. McCord will have to rely on older veterans if Bell cannot go. The pressure on the young quarterback just went up a notch.The Schedule Fights BackThe Dolphins travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. This is a road game that demands a full team effort. A 1-7 squad cannot afford to play short-handed against the rival. The coaching staff has to decide if Bell is too risky to play. Hafley said the injury is not long-term, but the doubtful tag means he is unlikely to see the field. Per Yahoo Sports, the team announced the designation after Bell failed to practice fully.Every week matters for a team trying to avoid a historic collapse. The loss to Detroit showed the team lacks depth and consistency. Now, the absence of a key rookie adds another layer of difficulty. The Colts will look to exploit any weakness in the Dolphins’ receiving corps. If Bell sits, the passing game loses a fresh set of eyes and legs.The Dolphins have to hope Bell recovers quickly. The coach believes the knee issue will not keep him out for the season. But Sunday is a different story. The team must move forward with the players they have. Kyle McCord will lead the offense without the benefit of a healthy rookie receiver. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 15.