Memories of preseason openers may not sit well for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Blake Bell who suffered a severe hip flexor injury in last year’s game. The veteran went down in pain during the game against the Chicago Bears, forcing him to injured reserve after undergoing surgery.
Bell spoke with reporters on Tuesday following practice about his injury recovery and bouncing back this year.
“I’m feeling good, I really am,” Bell said. “You know just trying to get back this offseason and trying to stretch to keep my body loose a little bit. I’m feeling good. [It was] such a freak injury and the doctors did a great job last year getting me fixed up. The trainers did a great job, too, as well so I’m feeling great ready to roll.”
The injury cost Bell all but three regular season games in 2022 as he revealed his frustration and doubt during the recovery process.
“It was hard,” Bell explained. “But you know, that was my goal each and every day is trying to get better and try to stay focused because some of those days you come in, and you’re like, ‘man, what am I doing?’ I’m not playing, but that’s how those injuries work. Man, you just got to keep your head down and keep fighting and work to get back on the field.”
Bell still scored a touchdown in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, one of his two catches on the season. The veteran isn’t typically seen as a receiving option but provides solid blocking and discipline needed at the position.
