Updated Story: New Drug Agreement Could Lead to Wes Welker Playing Next Week

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) lines up against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

For those of you who have not been following the ongoing negotiations on a new drug policy between the NFL and the players, it’s possible that Wes Welker could be back in uniform for the Denver Broncos as soon as next week.

There was some hope that a new deal would be reached on Wednesday night that would have allowed Welker to practice today, and play this week. However there was no agreement and with week two starting tonight, it’s highly unlikely that anything will happen before next week.

Without boring you with all of the details, here’s what you need to know and why Welker’s suspension could be lifted. The league and the players have been negotiating on a new policy ever since 2011 when the new collective bargaining agreement was put into place.

Basically what would happen is this; because the agreement happened in this league year, the new rules would apply even to those suspended in May like Welker. Most believe that under the new agreement, Welker would not have been suspended and therefore it is possible that the receiver could be back at practice as soon as next week.

Please keep in mind that this is all a fluid process and anything could change at any given moment.

The hope now is that an agreement would be reached early next week allowing Welker to go through a whole week of practice and preparation. In some respects, that would be a better scenario for Welker to return. The Broncos would have more time to incorporate him into the game plan and Welker wouldn’t feel as rushed as he would have this week.

With a full week of practice, Welker would probably be more likely to play his regular number of snaps. There’s no doubt, however, that his return whenever it is will help in two specific areas. The Broncos struggled on their first red zone possession versus the Indianapolis Colts and were terrible on third downs in the second half. Welker’s presence would help in both of those areas, especially versus a defense like the Seahawks.

The Broncos are monitoring the situation closely and even Peyton Manning mentioned the meeting tonight in his weekly press conference. Manning also said he has talked to Welker and said he is “chomping at the bit” to come back. There’s little doubt that Manning would like to have him back as well.

As of now, there are more talks scheduled for this afternoon and hopefully a vote later tonight. Stay with Mile High Maniac for any updates.