Wes Welker will walk back into the Denver Broncos practice facility on Wednesday after his four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs was lessened following a change in the drug policy. Welker was reinstated because his positive test of amphetamines falls under the new guidelines for substance abuse. Now, Peyton Manning gets one of his favorite targets back on the field which could mean less pass to other players.
The Broncos have certainly not be hurting with Welker not in the game. Having Manning at quarterback certainly helps that effort. In his place, players like tight end Julius Thomas have been having a solid start to the year. However, the Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 so getting Welker back into the mix quickly will help in the highly anticipated rematch between last year's Super Bowl. Denver enters the game with everyone healthy, so Manning now must figure out the best way to lead the offense.
Welker's return will likely mean that Thomas will not have a four-touchdown game like he did in the opening week for the Broncos. Denver's receiving group was small in their win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Emmanuel Sanders led the group with 108 yards, but after him was Demaryius Thomas and J. Thomas. Manning needs more to work with especially if he is going to get past the Seahawks. Manning is just glad to have Welker back.
"Losing Wes is a self-inflicted wound. It's different than an injury, but I still put it in the adversity category," Manning said, via USA Today Sports. "You find out a little bit about your team, and can you handle it? It's easy when everything is going smooth and you don't have any kind of adversity. Hopefully last year will have prepared us for these types of situations."
Welker becomes a must-start in fantasy leagues in Week 3. He likely will not garner the attention from Richard Sherman who could be placed on Sanders. It is tough to determine who will do well against the Seattle defense, but players like Welker and Thomas, who can stretch the middle of the field, might be the best options.