Denver Broncos WR Wes Welker is dealing with a concussion once again and that makes him a fantasy football risk for the 2014 season, but the Broncos have plenty other options at the wide receiver position, as names like Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Cody Latimer along with tight end Julius Thomas are now better draft options over Welker for QB Peyton Manning.
Welker has dealt with head injuries in the past and now according to ESPN.com, he is dealing with another concussion after getting hit in the game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Welker reportedly said that he is feeling much better, but that hit has given fantasy football owners some pause when it comes to drafting him. Many expected Welker to be a top fantasy option this season, especially with Eric Decker leaving for the NY Jets as a free agent.
Welker had a very good season last year despite the fact that Manning had a ton of targets to throw to and he was expected to step up and be even more productive this season. Now the head injury puts that into question a bit and while he could end up healthy for the start of the season, fantasy owners would be wise to avoid him. Names like Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Cody Latimer and Julius Thomas should put up good numbers and if Welker is out for any period of time, Sanders and Latimer could take over his spot in the offense.
D. Thomas is a top pick this year and he comes in after leading the team with 92 catches for 1,430 yards along with a staggering 14 touchdowns. Decker was second on the team with 87 catches for nearly 1300 yards and 11 touchdowns and now someone will have to make up that production and Latimer and Sanders could be the players to do it. Welker had 73 catches last season and was third on the team in targets and he ended up with 778 yards and 10 scores on the season.
Thomas had a very strong season with 65 catches for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Latimer comes in as a rookie after a very good season in college. Sanders comes over from the Steelers after having 67 catches for 740 yards and six touchdowns and he could be a nice sleeper this season as well. Welker was concussed again in the preseason and he is on his way back to the field as he receivers and if he is hit again and gets concussed, it could be a disaster for him and the rest of his career.
The 33 year old is getting to that point where some will tell him to retire, but if he wants to keep playing that's his right. Welker is a great player and he could have a great season in 2014, but fantasy owners should beware.
