Oct 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) comes out onto the field before the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wes Welker returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the Denver Broncos as they prepare for their rematch against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday afternoon, and he was excited to do so.
Welker got a call on Wednesday from the team telling him he could return to work, so he did, and he practiced in full after suffering a concussion against the Houston Texans in the third week of the preseason. On the Tuesday prior to the Broncos’ first game of the season against Indianapolis, the team learned of Welker’s failed appeal of a four game suspension and that they would have to gameplan without him just two days after selecting their final roster and including him in it.
The team wasn’t overly pleased with the news, and Welker denied using any performance enhancing substances, as most every player does. He was a first time offender, so getting popped for a four-game suspension off the bat was a bit hasty, and the NFL recognized as much and as fate would have it, the league and player’s association were ‘closing in’ on a new drug policy that would reduce or end Welker’s suspension once agreed upon.
The deal was reportedly agreed to on Friday before the Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs, but then there were some hangups and the deal didn’t become official until Wednesday.
Medically cleared from his concussion, Welker is ready to roll and play Sunday if the coaches allow. He has heard the concern expressed by fans and media who question whether or not he should even continue his playing career after his injuries, but he feels great and isn’t quitting at this time.
“I appreciate their concern, but at the same time, I feel great. I feel sharp and ready to go.”
The player most excited to have Welker back is obviously quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning has ‘suffered’ these first two weeks of the season with the players the Broncos have assembled in addition to Welker, but all kidding aside, it will be beneficial for everyone, Manning especially when Welker returns to the lineup.
“It was good to get him out there to see how he looks and feels,” said Manning, “and it would certainly be great to have him out there on Sunday if that’s the plan.”
Let’s hope so. Welker knows the offense well enough it would be foolish to not have all hands on deck as the Broncos take on the defending Super Bowl champions.