There was some concern over the availability of Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker after he suffered a concussion late in the team's 27-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday. Initially, the team said he wouldn't practice until Friday, but that changed, and Welker returned to practice Thursday, according to the Denver Post's Mike Klis.
Wes Welker returns to practice; appears on track for Broncos, fantasy owners
The Broncos wide receiver was a question mark after a concussion Sunday, but returned to practice earlier than originally expected. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Welker has caught 61 balls for 648 yards and nine touchdowns this season, his first with Denver after six with Sunday's opponent, the New England Patriots. The Broncos will play the Patriots in New England at 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday night.
Fantasy impact: Best bet is that Welker will be listed as “questionable” through Friday, and maybe even as far as Sunday. At this point, though, considering he’s back in practice already and the grudge-match nature of Sunday’s game, Welker should be considered very likely to play Sunday, barring a setback between now and then.
Fantasy owners who can figure out a backup plan for Welker -- the Patriots' Aaron Dobson, or someone like Mario Manningham or Aldrick Robinson from Monday night's game -- could do so, but those without the opportunity still can feel reasonably safe starting Welker Sunday night.
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