Wes Welker has not been medically cleared to return to practice, and Denver Broncos coach John Fox said only that the wide receiver is "day-to-day.''
Before he can play in a game, Welker would have to be declared symptom-free by both the Broncos' medical staff and a designated independent physician who has been approved by the NFL and the players' association. Welker would then have to proceed through multiple days of limited activity before he could return to practice on a limited basis.
Andre Caldwell, who got most of the snaps last week in Welker's absence, is expected to be the team's third receiver Sunday against the Houston Texans. Caldwell had six catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers.
"I thought Bubba Caldwell played really well," quarterback Peyton Manning said. " ... Great route on that first touchdown, did a great job getting in the end zone on a play he hasn't [worked] that much, so that's a good job knowing what to do, being in his playbook. We'll count on him this week if he has to play."
Caldwell is a compelling WR3 start this week but does carry some risk since he doesn't have a large body of work in the Denver offense, and may not see a heavy workload given all the other weapons that Peyton Manning has at his disposal. Caldwell is currently our 33rd-ranked WR in standard formats.
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