Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Louisville WR Chris Bell

TL;DR

Louisville WR Chris Bell, a top NFL Draft prospect, is currently recovering from an ACL tear. Despite the Detroit Lions' low need for a wide receiver, they may still consider drafting him if he falls to them.

In my Lions' Draft Need Analysis Series, the WR position scored a 0/10 need. That doesn't mean the Lions won't draft one if a top prospect falls to them. One such option is Chris Bell who is a highly-rated WR but is currently recovering from an ACL tear.

Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Chris Bell:

(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)

Chris Bell, WR (22) - Louisville

Projected round 2. #41 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.

Concern level 6/10

2025: 11/13 games. ACL tear on November 22, 2025 ended his season.
2024: 13/13 games
2023: 14/14 games
2022: 9/13 games

Less than five months post ACL, Bell understandably did not work out at the combine or pro day. With a typical 10-11 month recovery, he would be ready to play in September or October. This means he is unlikely to have a lost rookie season. However, he should not be expected to be back to his usual production until the 2027 season.

ACL tears have a long but very reliable recovery. The main thing to investigate is if there was any associated cartilage or other ligament damage.

A team willing to take a semi-redshirt rookie year could reap the rewards in the future. The Lions found success with this strategy in Jameson Williams, who tore his ACL very late in his college career on January 10. After minimal production as a rookie, Williams has been highly productive and very reliable since.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Louisville WR Chris Bell

Q&A

What injury is Chris Bell recovering from?

Chris Bell is recovering from an ACL tear.

How does Chris Bell's injury affect his NFL Draft prospects?

Chris Bell's ACL tear may impact his draft stock, but he remains a highly-rated prospect that the Lions could consider.

What is the Detroit Lions' current need for a wide receiver in the NFL Draft?

The Detroit Lions have scored a 0/10 need for a wide receiver, indicating they may not prioritize drafting one unless a top prospect like Chris Bell is available.