Report: Broncos WR Wes Welker has concussion

Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker officially has a concussion, according to NBC Sports Twitter account, @ProFootballTalk.

Earlier it was reported by numerous sources that Welker was being evaluated for the head injury.

With the announcement of an official concussion, Welker will now have to go through a series of NFL mandated tests in order to be eligible to return against the New England Patriots for next week’s Sunday Night Football matchup.

Several players have passed the tests recently, including two from the San Francisco 49ers this last week – safety Eric Reid and tight end Vernon Davis – after sustaining the injuries just a week before.

What should be paramount is the player’s health, but it is not unprecedented for a player to return shortly after being diagnosed with a concussion.

Welker has caught 77 passes for 576 yards with 9 touchdowns this season.  The 77 receptions puts Welker second on the team in that category and the 576 yards puts him third behind Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas.  Nine TD receptions ties Welker for first.

The diminutive wide receiver transformed himself from Tom Brady’s favorite target into one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets – but now may not get the opportunity to face his former quarterback.