Wes Welker Reinstated by NFL: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker is eligible to play again after the remaining portion of his four-game suspension was wiped out. The decision follows an agreement between the NFL and its Players Association on a new drug policy.  

The NFL provided the details about Welker's return after agreeing to a new PED policy:

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Discipline of players for certain violations in the 2014 league year will be adjusted to reflect the new policy. Wes Welker of the Denver Broncos, Orlando Scandrick of the Dallas Cowboys and Stedman Bailey of the St. Louis Rams will be eligible to return to their teams this week.

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Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Welker was already on his way to practice after being informed of the decision:

Jeff Legwold of ESPN passed along confirmation from the Broncos on Welker's reinstatement:

Welker did in fact practice on Wednesday (via Klis):

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports previously reported the initial claims that the veteran wideout was suspended for using Molly were incorrect. Instead, it was Adderall use during his visit to the Kentucky Derby that caused the positive test.

After the ban was first announced, Klis passed along an email response from Welker about the situation. He said there was no attempt to gain a competitive advantage.

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I'm as shocked as everyone at today's news. I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way. Anyone who has ever played a down with me, lifted a weight with me, even eaten a meal with me, knows that I focus purely on what I put in my body and on the hard work I put in year round to perform at the highest levels year-in and year-out.

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In the end, he'll only end up missing two games. Klis also reported while the entire situation was playing out that Welker was cleared by doctors to return from a concussion suffered during the preseason slate.

The Broncos edged the Indianapolis Colts without him in Week 1. His absence was noticeable, however, as they were forced to hold off a comeback attempt after failing to put Peyton Manning's former team away in the second half.

Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas (who had three touchdowns) and newcomer Emmanuel Sanders are a solid trio of targets. That said, there was something clearly missing on third down, in the red zone and when Denver was trying to close out the game in the fourth quarter.

The same could be said about a narrow victory over the division rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.

Welker excels at running precise routes from the slot. He knows how to get open in small areas, which makes him invaluable in an offense with plenty of talented playmakers. Andre Caldwell couldn't fill the role and rookie Cody Latimer hasn't made a single catch.

Getting Welker back will be a welcome sight for Manning. Given the chemistry they showed last season en route to 73 catches and 10 touchdowns in their first year together, it shouldn't take long to get back on the same page.

The Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 as the latest part of a very tricky start to the season. The Super Bowl rematch is a game where having him available should really help as the team attempts to solve a puzzle it struggled with in the championship game.

Having Welker available makes the tough schedule a little easier to navigate.