Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell suffered a torn ACL during the Cardinals’ Nov. 22 game at SMU, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Adam Schefter.
Bell is expected to undergo surgery this week in Dallas with Dr. Dan Cooper, a renowned orthopedic surgeon and head team physician for the Dallas Cowboys.
One of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, Bell had emerged as Louisville’s most reliable target, recording 72 catches for 917 yards before the injury. The All-ACC selection posted 46 yards on five receptions against SMU but did not return and later missed Louisville’s Governor’s Cup matchup with Kentucky. It marked his first missed game as a Cardinals starter.
Despite the setback, Bell remains a projected early-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Field Yates recently listed him as a first-round pick, noting his physicality and production.
He will be unable to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine or postseason all-star events, but scouts still expect him to be drafted, with his recovery progress potentially determining how high he goes.
Louisville finished the regular season 8-4 and will play Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl.
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