The Denver Broncos will enter Gillette Stadium for the first time this season, marking Wes Welker's first trip back to New England since he opted to leave the Patriots in favor of a new contract out in Colorado. There is one hurdle the receiver must get over first, a concussion that was originally diagnosed as a neck injury. As the Broncos remain quiet on the state of Welker, Tom Brady is confident his former teammate will be active.
Welker suffered a concussion during the Broncos win against the Kansas City Chiefs. He underwent the basic league-required tests and will not be allowed back at practice until at least Friday at the earliest. That leaves the receiver as questionable for the Sunday game. Brady is going ahead and saying Welker is starting no matter what.
"I've been around [Welker] long enough to know what he's all about," Brady said, via WEEI sports radio in Boston. "He loves playing football, and if there's a chance for him to play, especially coming back here, he's definitely going to be out there. I've got no question about that."
Brady and Welker have not spoken to each other since the receiver left the Patriots in favor of Peyton Manning and Denver. Despite the lack of communication, Brady is confident that this is the type of game that Welker thrives in and would never miss. The 31-year-old spent six seasons making his name with the Patriots. He caught over 100 passes in five of six seasons, while being a vital part of the offense. Naturally Bill Belichick is not muttering a word on Welker and his status, but sources report the Patriots are preparing like he will play.
Welker's divorce from New England was certainly messy. The two went back and forth on a long-term contract as Welker, one of the most reliable and durable players in the league, felt he deserved a lot more than the Patriots were will to offer. So instead, he walked away for a two-year deal with the Broncos and the Patriots signed Danny Amendola.
Now, Welker is thriving in the Denver offense alongside Peyton Manning. So far he has 648 yards receiving, averaging 10.6 yards per catch while recording nine touchdowns. Welker currently ranks third amongst wide receivers for the team, but his presence against the Patriots is important. Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker certainly present matchup problems for the Patriots, leaving Welker open for a big game. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that while technically Welker is listed as questionable, the Broncos have every intention of playing him.
