All it took was one more concussion for Wes Welker's stellar career to be put into question. The Denver Broncos wide receiver suffered an injury in a preseason game, putting his status for the start of the season and remainder of his career in serious doubt. Since November of last year, Welker has suffered three concussions. Most doctors would say that is not good. The receiver has yet to be cleared for contact, leaving his status up in the air for Week 1.
According to head coach John Fox, Welker has returned to practice with the team, but remains a question since doctors have not cleared him for contact. Welker is following league protocol regarding concussion injuries after suffering the injury August 23, but his progress is slow and now the team is not sure what his timetable for return is.
"He's still in the protocol. He's still exercising. Feel good about progress," Fox said, via ESPN.com. "... But obviously, as I said all last week, he's a guy we'll be cautious with, and our main concern is his safety."
Following the concussion, Welker was immediately forced to answer questions regarding retirement in the near future. With just one more year on his contract, some wondered if the wide receiver would be forced to end things after the head injury. However, Welker denies that retirement is a thought in his mind as he prepares to play for the entire 2014 season.
According to ESPN reporter Jeff Legwold, Fox denies the idea that Welker is planning on retiring following the hit and the Broncos remain extremely optimistic that he will be very productive this upcoming season with Peyton Manning. The Broncos fully expect Welker to be cleared for play against the Indianapolis Colts based on his progress over the past two weeks, but does that mean he will be putting up big numbers right now?
Welker has barely been on the field since the injury, giving other receivers a chance to step up in his place. Of course, if healthy, Welker will be on the field, but Denver is committing to taking it slow with the receiver which might include less plays over the next two weeks. In terms of receivers, the Broncos have been extremely high on Cody Latimer, the rookie out of Indiana. He has performed well in the team's preseason games alongside Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. Right now, the Broncos need Welker healthy. After losing Eric Decker, his presence on the field is critical.
