Indianapolis Colts: To Host Injured Standout Receiver Prospect

According to Ian Rapoport, the Colts will host Louisville Cardinals Chris Bell for a 30-visit later in the week. He is a strong, 6-foot-2, 222-pound big-bodied outside receiver who excels in contested catches, is dangerous after the catch for his size, and possesses strong hands with a modest drop rate. However, Bell may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season after suffering a clean ACL tear during the regular-season finale, and with the nine-month mark occurring in late August, a Week 1 debut could be pushing it.

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Chris Bell enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, setting career highs while leading the team in receiving, finishing sixth in the ACC in receiving yards, and earning First-Team All-ACC honors. Bell hauled in 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games before tearing his ACL in the regular-season finale. He posted three drops, gained 372 yards after the catch, and went 12 of 24 on contested catches.

Bell wrapped up his four-year tenure at Louisville, totaling 115 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns across 47 games. He also posted 13 drops with a 7.9% drop rate, gained 874 yards after the catch, and went 33 of 59 on contested catches.

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report

“Possession receiver coming off of his most productive year and a late-season ACL tear. Bell’s scores frequently came as a move target across the hashes, where he was able to use impressive build-up speed to eliminate angles and outrun everyone in the secondary to the paint. He’s average at eluding press and separating from tight man underneath.

“Improving his catch focus and positioning when contested will be critical. Bell lacks dynamic qualities and his ACL tear could impact his draft slotting, but he’s a big, physical target with room to improve. He has a chance to become an average WR2/3 in time.”

He projects as an average starter.