Wes Welker Could Miss More Time With Back Injury

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) and intercepted by cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 43-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) and intercepted by cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 43-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Wes Welker left the NFL‘s Week 9 game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, did not return, and could miss more time beyond then.

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As if the Denver Broncos needed any more bad news, following their 43-21 dismantling at the hands of their conference rival, the New England Patriots. Receiver Wes Welker

left their Week 9 loss with a back injury

after being targeted on a pass and only catching a hard hit from Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty. While no word has come from the team on his Week 10 status, it’s safe to assume that Welker could miss more time beyond the game given the nature of back injuries.

Welker took a nasty hit a split second after muffing a Peyton Manning throw, tipping the ball in the air for a Patriots interception. McCourty appeared to lead with his helmet on the hit but he didn’t receive a penalty. Officiating expert Mike Pereira concurred with the no-call, citing a freeze frame of McCourty’s head to the side when he made contact with Welker’s lower back.

While one big hit to the back might not be cause for concern in the NFL, Welker has undoubtedly taken a beating this year and it’s hard to believe a hurt back, combined with concussions and other ailments, won’t slow down the prolific slot receiver, whose career numbers have dipped since his arrival in Denver.

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