Broncos WR Welker out vs. Raiders
Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker will not play Sunday's regular-season finale against the Oakland Raiders because of a concussion.
Welker, 32, suffered the concussion -- his second of the season -- on Dec. 8 in a 51-28 victory over the Tennessee Titans and did not play last Thursday in the Broncos' 27-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers.
He has not practiced for the past three weeks.
Coach John Fox explained Friday that Welker has not been cleared.
"Just because he is still in the protocol until he is officially cleared on that," he said. "We didn't want to monkey around on that. Again, player safety is the key -- we'll rule him out for this game."
The Broncos do not want to increase the risk of Welker sustaining a third concussion. They hope Welker will be healthy for the playoffs.
Welker has 73 receptions for 778 yards with 10 touchdowns this season.
Also, cornerback Champ Bailey, who recently returned from a foot injury, is expected to play Sunday.
"Champ's available," Fox said. "What kind of duty, we don't talk about as far as game plan and what the playing nature and how we're going to use people."
