After Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker sustained his third concussion inside a year after absorbing a big hit from Houston Texans safety DJ Swearinger in Week 3 preseason action, there was much discussion as to the hard-nosed veteran’s status in the NFL.

However, Welker was quick to shoot down any and all notions of him retiring from the game of football, clearly stating his intentions to continue his career despite the mounting head trauma.

Today (Mon., September 1, 2014) Welker took his first step towards accomplishing that goal by returning to the Broncos practice field. According to NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport, Welker has not been cleared for contact or to resume playing in actual games:

#Broncos WR Wes Welker (concussion) takes the next step today, on the field for practice. Hasn’t yet been cleared to play or for contact

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2014

Welker was a key component of Denver’s record-setting offense last year, compiling several touchdowns from quarterback Peyton Manning before injuries left him out of several games.

A big part of his of Welker’s game is toughness, as he’s consistently gone over the middle to make catches under fire throughout his entire career. But with the NFL cracking down on concussions in a big way after recent brain injury studies, one more big hit could truly spell the end of Welker’s football career.

Should he continue to risk his heath in order to help his team win?