The Minnesota Vikings will be without veteran receiver Jauan Jennings in Week 2. But that will give an intriguing rookie wideout an opportunity to make his NFL debut for Minnesota on Sunday.
Minnesota announced on social media undrafted rookie receiver Dillon Bell is one of two practice squad elevations for the Vikings in Week 2. The other will be veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy , who was also elevated for the season opener against the Green Bay Packers .
The Vikings will visit the Chicago Bears for Week 2 on September 20.
"The Vikings have elevated WR Dillon Bell and OLB Kyle Van Noy to the active roster for tomorrow's game," wrote the Vikings official X account.
In three preseason games during August, Bell posted seven catches for 59 receiving yards. His longest reception went for 18 yards.
Bell surprisingly went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein projected the Georgia product to be a sixth-round choice.
"Big, strong, explosive receiver requiring specific usage on the next level. Bell is top-notch with the ball in his hands on reverses, jet-sweeps and quick hitches," wrote Zierlein during the draft process . "He has the ability to create chunk runs after breaking tackles. Bell lacks ideal route savvy to uncover underneath and can be too easy for cornerbacks to read.
He's a body-catcher with below-average hands, but he did have better catch tape in 2023 with Carson Beck at quarterback.
Zierlein concluded writing Bell also had potential to contribute as a returner on special teams.
The Vikings-Bears showdown will kick off at Soldiers Field at 12 pm CT on Sunday.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
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