The NFL’s new drug policy soon will go into effect, which means a few important players are about to return to work.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker is among those players who will be reinstated under the league’s new policy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday morning. Welker was serving a four-game suspension for a positive amphetamine test under the old policy, but he’ll be back after missing two games.
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The two-game ban might have been a blessing in disguise for Welker and the Broncos. The team won both of its games during Welker’s absence while the receiver nursed a concussion that he suffered during the preseason. The Broncos’ passing offense didn’t really miss a beat without Welker, as Peyton Manning completed 69.4 percent of his passes and threw for six touchdowns with no interceptions.
Welker caught 73 passes for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013, his first season with the Broncos.
UPDATE (10:45 a.m.): The NFL and NFL Players Association announced an agreement on the new drug policy and confirmed that Welker will be eligible to rejoin his team this week. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick and St. Louis Rams receiver Stedman Bailey also are eligible.
