Dec 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
FOX Sports reporter Jay Glazer is reporting that Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker will not play against the Chargers Thursday night, a move that will likely be made official by the Broncos sometime on Wednesday.
Welker suffered his second concussion in three weeks time against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, so this is a wise decision by the Broncos. So far this season, the big ticket offseason acquisition from the New England Patriots has proven his worth as a valuable weapon in the red zone and on third downs. Welker is obviously a nightmare out of the slot where he has elite quickness and route running ability, and that has translated to 778 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns this season.
The long term health of Welker is the issue here. You need to make sure he is properly taken care of, and sitting out a game against the Chargers that the Broncos can win without him isn’t the worst idea in the world. In fact, it’s a great idea. This will allow Welker an extended break where he will be able to rest up until the Broncos play the Houston Texans a week from this Sunday.
This will mean increased targets for Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Eric Decker, and very likely Jacob Tamme, who has been very effective in a replacement role this season. Tamme played a fantastic game against the New England Patriots a few weeks back, and he played well in place of Welker against the Titans.
The Broncos’ offense will obviously miss the rare abilities of Welker, but they shouldn’t drop off much in production with the crew they still have in place.