ENGLEWOOD – The Denver Broncos will be without Wes Welker for the first four games of the season after the NFL said the receiver violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Normally, the league announces such violations Monday. News of Welker’s ban didn’t come down until late Tuesday, after the league offices had closed and the Broncos already had finished drawing up blueprints for their opener against Indianapolis, undoubtedly with Welker playing a prominent role.
ESPN first reported Welker’s suspension, saying the violation had to do with amphetamines.
Welker told The Denver Post in an email that he was “as shocked as everyone at (Tuesday’s) news.” He noted he’s meticulous about what he puts in his body and would “never knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way.”
The 11th-year pro who’s been the NFL’s top slot receiver over the last decade added he never concerned himself with the league’s drug rules but now realizes those policies “are clearly flawed.”
While it takes multiple violations of the league’s substance-abuse policies to trigger a suspension, a four-game ban is issued for a single violation of the NFL’s ban on performance-enhancing substances.
“(Tuesday night’s) news regarding Wes is very disappointing, but we understand the league’s authority in this area,” Broncos’ head coach John Fox said in a statement. “While it’s unfortunate to not have him to start the year, I have full confidence in our wide receivers and expect that group to continue playing at a high level.”
Welker played a key role in the two greatest statistical offenses in NFL history: last year’s Broncos and the 2007 New England Patriots.
Welker caught 73 passes for 778 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns despite missing the final 3½ games of last season. He returned for the playoffs and had 18 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown.
Without Welker, Peyton Manning will have to lean more on speedy wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who’s played in the slot before, or tight end Jacob Tamme, who filled the role at times last year when Welker was out.
Tight end Julius Thomas also is better working the middle of the field. And if Sanders moves inside, that will open up playing time for Bubba Caldwell or rookie Cody Latimer opposite flanker Demaryius Thomas.
“I have no doubt that Wes will remain focused on his preparations for the season and stay in excellent shape during his time away from the team,” Fox said.
Even before Welker’s ban was issued, the Broncos were facing a daunting first month to open the season. Kicker Matt Prater has been suspended for the first four games for an alcohol-related violation of league rules, and leading tackler Danny Trevathan is out for the first three games with a broken left leg.
Welker will miss games against Arizona, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Seattle.
The Colts and Seahawks both feature physical defensive backs that roughed up the Broncos’ receivers at the line of scrimmage in wins over Denver last season.
Adept at getting open in 1-on-1 coverage and finding the holes in zones, Welker hit it off immediately with Manning last year after spending six seasons in New England with Tom Brady.
Welker was excused from practices for two days last month, apparently to meet with league officials about his pending suspension. He then played in a preseason game against Houston on Aug. 23, when he suffered his third concussion since Nov. 17.
Welker returned to practice Monday but declined comment afterward, saying he had to rush to a team function.
Welker now will be out of action until Oct. 12, when the Broncos will visit the Jets.
