The Broncos signed Wes Welker to be that difference maker in the postseason. That was the hope. They did not know he would be having concussion problems, though. No one could have forecasted it.
Now, Welker will be back after sitting out the final three regular season games due to concussion issues. It’s fair to wonder how productive he can be after missing that much time, not to mention he is still feeling the concussion effects.
It’s hard to believe he can step in and be productive just like that. Anytime an athlete suffers so many effects, it takes a toll. New Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau can attest to that after dealing with concussion issues as a member of the Twins. He hasn’t hit more than 20 home runs since 2009 when he had concussion symptoms.
Maybe Welker proves me wrong, but history says otherwise.
It’s not surprising Welker is playing. He did not sign with the Broncos just to sit out the postseason and collect his money. That’s not how pro athletes are wired despite impulsive fans’ perception. He wants to help Peyton Manning win another championship, which is why he signed with the Broncos in the first place.
Welker will play through his concussions. It’s hard to know if he is really healed or not despite practicing the last few weeks. No one can magically be healed from the concussions and be productive. The Broncos’ slot receiver was ineffective after he suffered his first concussion in Week 10
The Broncos are showing faith it can work out for Welker. That’s all they can go by right now.
Fortunately for them, their offense is loaded, so it’s not only Welker that has to carry the load. It also helps this game is going to be more of a running game with the cold elements being in play. It may as well be the Broncos wide receiver being a decoy when all is said and done.
The Chargers are saying the right things about the former Patriot being quick and dangerous. It’s the cliché thing to do when athletes talk to the media. Who knows how they really feel?
Welker does not even know how productive he can be. Experiencing live action for the first time in a month is something he has to get used to. Being in so many practices can’t substitute live action. Sunday is going to be more of a curiosity of how he is going to do based on questions about his impact.
To his credit, he wasn’t going to guarantee anything. He knows coming back from concussions is a work in progress.
It would be a good story if Welker can be productive after what he has gone through this year. It would be a better story if he can finish the game and not deal with concussions.
As much as everyone wants him to make an impact on Sunday’s game against the Chargers, the hope should be he does not deal with any more concussions and its effects that come from playing. The Chargers are not going to take it easy on him. If anything, they will go even harder on him just to get him out of the game. Football is not a mercy sport.
It’s something Welker is willing to take to his credit. He does not want any bows for playing. He knows it’s his responsibility to his employers and his teammates. What he wants is scoring touchdowns. It’s why he is playing.
What happens is anyone’s guess. No one is going to care if the Broncos win, but if they lose, there’s no question people will talk about Welker’s lack of impact. It’s what fans do when they analyze a game.
Welker’s presence is a subplot to this divisional playoff game. The Broncos paid him for games like this one. They know what a home-run hitting threat he can be when Manning needs to go long.
They did not anticipate him being a question mark based on his health this season. A physical sport like football never comes out according to plan. That’s what playing a long season can do.
Sunday should give an answer to how Welker do after having concussions.
The Broncos and Welker can only hope for the best for better or for worse.
Contact or follow Leslie Monteiro at @LightRodWriter.
Leslie Monteiro
Leslie is a contributor for Lightning Rod Sports. He covered high school sports in Bergen County out in North Jersey, and has written op-ed columns on sports such as Bleacher Report and NY Sports Digest.
