NFL lifts suspension of three players including Wes Welker under revised drug policy

Welker, Orlando Scandrick and Stedman Bailey had four-game bans halved

Wes Welker (Getty Images)

Wes Welker is one of three NFL players to have his suspension lifted by the NFL after the NFL Players’ Association announced a revised policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Welker of the Denver Broncos, along with the Dallas Cowboys’ Orlando Scandrick and St Louis Rams receiver Stedman Bailey, initially had a four game suspension that has now been lifted, with two of those games already served.

A positive test for a banned amphetamine will now be considered under the substance abuse policy and not result in an immediate four-game suspension.

In an email sent to the Denver Post earlier this month, Welker protested his innocence stating he "never knowingly" took anything and said that the procedures are "clearly flawed".

The NFL and Union is also expected to announce changes to the substance abuse policy which will result in reduced time off for Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon and former Indianapolis Colts receiver LaVon Brazill.