
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Wes Welker is practicing for the first time since Labor Day. The Denver Broncos wide receiver was reinstated Wednesday after the NFL agreed to a new performance-enhancing drug policy.
Welker’s four-game suspension for offseason amphetamine use was essentially cut in half, and he’ll be eligible to play Sunday at Seattle.
Under the new rules, players who test positive for banned stimulants in the offseason will no longer be suspended. Instead, they will be referred to the substance-abuse program, where a first offense doesn’t result in an immediate ban.
It takes multiple positive tests under the substance-abuse program before a suspension.
The players union agreed to the new policy on Friday. But the NFL didn’t sign off on the new policy before Saturday’s roster deadline.