First Eric Decker leaves via free agency, now Wes Welker is lost as well. Today it was confirmed that Denver Broncos WR Wes Welker has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.
Earlier in the preseason Welker suffered his third concussion in the last 10 months; which already made his presence in the regular season opener against the Colts unknown. Now though, the concussion questions can be placed on the back-burner.
According to Jay Glazer at Fox Sports, the Broncos have known for a while that this news was coming, according to CBS Sports. They were holding out hope that Welker would win his appeal.
The failed drug test occurred after Welker reportedly took ecstasy laced with amphetamines while at Churchhill Downs watching the Kentucky Derby, according to ProFootballTalk. On that day a cashier mistakenly overpaid Welker close to $15,000 in winnings, and he proceeded to hand $100 bills to strangers on the way out.
As it relates to actual football talk, the Broncos now look like a slightly different version of the record breaking offense they resembled in 2013. As previously mentioned, gone is Decker and Welker. Newcomer WR Emmanuel Sanders will be looked upon to fill Welker’s shoes until his return on October 6.
The Broncos will be without Welker for the games against the Colts, Chiefs, Cardinals and the defending champion Seahawks.