Wes Welker Suspension Factors Into Possible Update to NFL Drug Policy
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Wes Welker suspension factors into possible update to NFL drug policy By Mike Klis The Denver Post September 5, 2014 The suspension of Broncos receiver Wes Welker has suddenly become a focal point in negotiations between the NFL and players union on a revised drug policy, according to sources on both sides. The union is working with the NFL on a new drug policy that would allow for testing of HGH and reduced penalties for use of performance enhancing drugs in the offseason, such as amphetamines. Welker was suspended by the NFL this week for four games for violating the league's performance-enhancement policy. He tested positive for an amphetamine. According to sources on both sides, had the league's proposal for a new drug policy been ratified by the union, Welker would not have been issued a four-game suspension. In return for HGH testing, the league is enticing the union by raising the threshold of marijuana that will trigger a positive test and moving offseason amphetamine or stimulant detection from a violation of the league's performance-enhancement program — which has a zero-tolerance policy that issues a four-game suspension to first-time offenders such as Welker — to a violation in the substance-abuse policy, where a first-time offender would be placed in an NFL program, but not suspended until a second violation. If an agreement on the new HGH proposal is reached this weekend, it is still improbable Welker would be able to play Sunday night in the Broncos' season opener against Indianapolis. However, there is a chance his suspension could be reduced from four games to one or two, according to sources. Welker is among 29 players over the past three years who would not have been suspended under the league's new proposal. Welker, an 11-year NFL player who ranks 24th all-time with 841 career catches, tested positive for an amphetamines during the offseason. Multiple sources say Welker tested positive for Adderall, which is commonly used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. During the season, a positive test for Adderall or other stimulants would fall under the PED policy. It might be no coincidence that since Welker's suspension was announced Tuesday evening, negotiations between the league and union over a new drug policy, and HGH testing, became serious. One sticking point in negotiations is that the league wants the power to immediately issue a two-game suspension for players arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The union wants players to have due process before such a penalty is issued. Malik Jackson to play with Broncos after attending father's funeral service By Mike Klis The Denver Post September 5, 2014 Jodie Jackson would have been pleased his son Malik returned to Dove Valley on Friday. Jodie Jackson was 47 when he died from complications from a stroke. His funeral service was Thursday in Irvington, N.J. Malik Jackson will play defensive line for the Broncos on Sunday night against Indianapolis. "It's always tough to bury your dad," Malik Jackson said. "It was a nice service. A lot of people showed up. It was good to see family members you haven't seen in forever. We exchanged numbers and we'll try to stay connected." Jackson practiced Wednesday, flew to New Jersey for the service, and was back practicing Friday. He doesn't always start as a Broncos defensive lineman, but he plays more than some do because of his ability to line up at both end and tackle. "He would have wanted me to play," Jackson said in front of his locker Friday. "Heck, he would have wanted me to stay here and practice and pass on the funeral. But I don't think I could have done that. He was a great man. I loved him. He taught me the game." Prater returns home. Because Matt Prater was found in violation of the NFL's substance-abuse program, the Broncos kicker could have served his four-week suspension by working out at the team's Dove Valley's headquarters and hanging out with his teammates. However, the team gave Prater permission to return to his home in Fort Myers, Fla., where he will spend time his family, work out and try to make positive changes in his life. Prater's violation was alcohol-related. He will return to the Denver area by Oct. 6, the day after the Broncos play their fourth game against Arizona. Broncos Bowling for Boys and Girls. Left tackle Ryan Clady and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton will host the second annual Orange and Blue Bowling Bash on Monday at the Brunswick Zone XL lanes in Lone Tree. The event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver. There will be one session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a second from 8:30 to 10:30. Other Broncos committed to attending the function include Von Miller, Kayvon Webster, Demaryius Thomas, Orlando Franklin, Brock Osweiler, Matt Praradis, T.J Ward, Julius Thomas and Jackson. For more information, go to www.orangeandbluebowlingbash.com or call 559-241- 4412. Injury update. Backup guard Ben Garland (high ankle sprain) and starting linebacker Danny Trevathan (fractured left leg) have been officially ruled out of the game Sunday against the Colts. Everybody else is probable. Scouting report: Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos By Troy Renck The Denver Post September 5, 2014 Three things to watch 1. Life without Welker Peyton Manning makes scarecrows into Pro Bowlers, but the loss of Wes Welker stings. Welker is a security blanket on third down. He was targeted 28 times on third down - only 10 fewer than 2013 team leader Demaryius Thomas despite playing only 13 games - and turned 18 into first downs. Manning remains masterful at exploiting mismatches. Will he lean more on Emmanuel Sanders or incorporate Jacob Tamme and Andre Caldwell more? 2. Any Luck up front Colts quarterback Andrew Luck summed up the rash of injuries to his offensive line in blunt terms: "It's like a horror movie." So decimated is Indianapolis that A.Q. Shipley, signed off the waiver wire last Sunday, is expected to start at center. He played briefly there for the Colts in 2012. The shuffling of new players at guard and center means the Colts might look to go no-huddle more rather than run Trent Richardson into Terrance Knighton and crew. 3. It's rush hour The Colts trumped the Broncos in Peyton Manning's return to Indianapolis last season, in large part because of Robert Mathis. He lived in Manning's face, creating relentless pressure. When Manning has to move, he becomes mortal. Mathis is suspended, and the Broncos' offensive line is improved with the return of all-pro left tackle Ryan Clady. If the Colts can't pressure Manning, coach Chuck Pagano admitted, "He's going to tear you apart. Game plan When the Broncos run Montee Ball looks to build on his second-half push when he averaged 5.88 yards per carry on 65 attempts in November and December. He played only one series in the preseason, so don't be surprised if C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, if healthy, spell Ball frequently. Rookie Juwan Thompson provides a new short- yardage weapon. The Colts believe their run defense is improved, anchored by 6- foot, 340-pound wrecking ball nose tackle Josh Chapman. Edge: Colts When the Colts run They fashion themselves as a physical team, but the identity is a bit overstated. Even with the addition of Trent Richardson, the Colts did not feature a steamroller attack. Richardson figures to be better, but the offensive line is a mess. Broncos' defensive tackle Terrance Knighton predicts a breakout year for Sylvester Williams. This would be a good time to start. Edge: Broncos When the Broncos pass No one throws the ball better than Peyton Manning, who is a maestro at the line of scrimmage, checking into advantageous plays and lofting catchable passes. Wes Welker's absence hurts, but it creates a platform for Emmanuel Sanders to show why he could become the league's best free-agent signing. Without a consistent pass rush, the Colts will struggle to defend Demaryius Thomas and Sanders. Edge: Broncos When the Colts pass Andrew Luck is the NFL's most athletic quarterback. He's faster than Johnny Manziel and possesses a better arm than Russell Wilson. A healthy Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton provide a measuring stick for the Broncos' secondary from the first snap. Aqib Talib's ability to handle Wayne in man coverage could free T.J. Ward and Rahim Moore for interceptions so lacking last year. Edge: Broncos Special teams This wasn't supposed to happen. Nowhere did recent suspensions hurt the Broncos more than on special teams. They lost the league's best kicker Matt Prater and a reliable punt returner in Wes Welker. In their place, Brandon McManus and Isaiah Burse will make their NFL debuts. If the Colts win, it likely will be a close game. No kicker is more trusted in the clutch than Adam Vinatieri. Edge: Colts Broncos' Ben Garland, Danny Trevathan out for season opener vs. Colts By Irv Moss The Denver Post September 5, 2014 Broncos coach John Fox covered the last-minute details for Sunday's season- opening game against the Indianapolis Colts after Friday's practice and listed the return of cornerback Chris Harris as a major positive. Harris was out of action late last season with an ACL injury that required surgery.