The NFL and NFL Players Association announced on Wednesday that a new drug policy for the league has been passed. Changes to the policy regarding performance-enhancing drug use have been made, resulting in Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick and St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey being eligible to return in Week 3.
Unlike the old drug policy, players who test positive for banned substances in the offseason will no longer be automatically suspended. They will instead be referred to the league’s substance abuse program. That applies to Welker, who has been accused of taking Molly at the Kentucky Derby before the season.
Welker, Scandrick and Bailey were the only players named in the NFL’s official release. There are other players who tested positive during the offseason, but it’s possible those tests could have taken place before the official start of the 2014 football year. Or, they could have committed other violations like using a masking agent when providing a urine sample or trying to manipulate a test.
As for fantasy football, Welker is obviously the name everyone is curious about. The 33-year-old was recovering from another concussion before he was suspended, so it is possible it will take him a few weeks to get into game shape. Peyton Manning obviously trusts Welker, so he will certainly have value in PPR leagues and deep standard leagues. His presence may also result in less targets for Emmanuel Sanders, which will be something to monitor.
I wouldn’t plug Welker into my Week 3 lineup, especially with the Broncos traveling to Seattle to face the Seahawks. That said, he should be rostered in all formats until we get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
