After suffering his third concussion in less than a year, Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker may be seriously considering retirement. While Broncos coach John Fox said the topic hasn't been brought up, Welker is likely weighing the risks of playing another season in the NFL.
Welker suffered his third concussion on Saturday during the Broncos' preseason game against the Houston Texans. The incident occurred in the waning minutes of the first half when Texans safety D.J. Swearinger hit Welker with a forearm to the helmet. Welker immediately left the field and headed into the locker room, where doctors later diagnosed him with his third concussion in 10 months.
A timetable for Welker's return is uncertain, and given it being his third concussion in such a short time, he could be sidelined for weeks. Former Detroit Lions Jahvid Best, who also suffered at least three known concussions in less than a year, missed the entire 2012 season and was later released the following season.
"He'll be out there when he's healthy," Fox said of Welker on Monday, via NESN. "... Our first priority is his safety and well-being. I know, as an organization, his well-being is our first priority. ... We just take it one day at a time.
"We'll see how he gets through today, and I get updated on every day medically on every player, including Wes in this case. We'll see what tomorrow brings."
League rules stipulate Welker must be free of concussion symptoms by next Monday to be eligible to play in Denver's Sept. 7 season opener against Indianapolis, according to NESN.
With more data available on the long-term risks of head traumas, Welker could be considering retirement. If Welker does continue his NFL career, finding a team next season when he becomes a free agent would likely be difficult given his history of concussions.
As for retirement, though, Fox said Welker hasn't mentioned it.
"That has not been brought up at all," Fox said. " ... I didn't sense that."
