NFL Suspensions: 5 players who will be missed the most
By Natalie G.
1. Wes Welker – Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker has been suspended four games for use of amphetamines. Welker tested positive from a sample taken shortly after he attended the Kentucky Derby, according to sources. He argued that the sample was tainted, “I’m as shocked as everyone at today’s news,” Welker said in the report. “I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way.”
Welker’s suspension is a huge blow to the Broncos’ receiving game. Last season only four wide receivers caught passes for Denver and nearly 60 percent of those receptions will not be on the field in Week 1, as Eric Decker is now with the New York Jets and Welker is suspended. The Broncos signed free agent receiver Emmanuel Sanders during the offseason and drafted rookie receiver Cody Latimer. Over the last two seasons, only five players in the NFL averaged more targets per game than Welker. Welker ranks tied for eighth in the league in total targets over that span, despite missing three games. The Broncos have a tough start to the season, as they open up with four straight games against teams that won 10 or more games last season.