Wes Welker to increase activity level after third concussion in 10 months

Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker will increase his activity level at practice Monday after suffering a concussion in the team's Aug. 23 preseason game against the Houston Texans, according to a report from ESPN.

The concussion, which occurred when Welker was hit by safety D.J. Swearinger after catching a short pass, was the third Welker has suffered in 10 months. Swearinger was flagged, but not fined, for the hit.

Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway said Welker is progressing through the league's protocol for recovering from concussions.

"One step at a time, still in the process, in (the) protocol. So, he'll be out running around Monday and continue through the protocol, take it one day at a time,'' Elway said.

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Welker, who ran routes in shorts and a t-shirt (and no helmet) before Thursday night's preseason game against Dallas, could be cleared for non-contact portions of practice as early as this week, according to the report.

Welker, a five-time Pro Bowler, has recorded at least 70 receptions and 700 receiving yards each of the last seven years including 2013, when he missed the final three regular season games with a concussion.

The Broncos open the season Sept. 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.

- Chris Johnson