NFL

Reports: Welker, Scandrick can play Sunday if NFL drug policy approved

SI Wire
Wednesday September 10th, 2014

If the NFL's new drug policy is approved, players suspended during the 2014 league year, including Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick, could play Sunday, according to multiple reports.

According to NFL.com's Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport, the policy would not necessarily apply to players suspended before the 2014 league year that began in March. That group of players includes Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon, as Gordon failed his drug test in 2013 and was subsequently suspended for the entire 2014-15 season.

BURKE: Top two teams hold serve in style

The new policy would raise the levels of THC (found in marijuana) in a player's system that signals a positive test. The new policy also allows for the league to start blood testing for human growth hormone (HGH) for the first time.​

Violations for a positive test for amphetamines during the offseason would be considered part of the substance abuse policy instead of being classified as a performance-enhancing drug. Under this policy, Welker would get just a warning because it was his first violation. Welker reportedly took MDMA cut with amphetamines while at the Kentucky Derby and tested positive in May.
 
Scandrick reportedly "took something in Mexico" while on vacation. Both Welker and Scandrick were suspended for the first four games of the 2014 NFL season.
 
Which Week 1 performances should be believed?

The Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, while the Cowboys play the Tennessee Titans.

0:44 | NFL
Cam Newton in, Ben Tate out

​- Sarah Barshop

SI Apps
We've Got Apps Too
Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide—from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Andy Staples, Grant Wahl, and more—delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.
App Store Google Play
App Store Google Play
✕

Forgot Password

close

Please enter your email address associated with the account so we can help reset your password.

 

Enter valid email address

Manage Profile

close

Edit Favorite Teams

close

Remove or add teams to and from your list of favorites

Teams In Your Area

Add more favorite teams from the list below based on your geolocation

    My Teams

      Search Close
        • No team results found.

      Edit Favorite Reporters

      close

      Remove or add reporters to and from your list of favorites

      My Favorite Reporters

      Add Reporters