In the wake of his third concussion in under one calendar year, Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker made it clear that he had no intentions of retiring from the NFL. He was apparently making progress towards that goal by returning to practice yesterday (Mon., September 1, 2014), Welker was dealt a crushing blow of a different sort tonight.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter has reported that Welker has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drug (PEDs). Welker reportedly failed a test for amphetamines:

Filed to ESPN: Broncos WR Wes Welker has been suspended four games for use of amphetamines, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2014

With the suspension, Welker will be out until Week 6, as the Broncos will have their bye week during Week 4. An integral part of the Broncos’ destructive offensive attack, it’s unknown how long it would have taken for Welker to return to full health with his concussion injuries, so the suspension may not be as bad as it seems.

The hard-nosed Welker was not yet cleared to resume contact or playing in game. But the news is no doubt embarrassing, and it’s going to force Denver to reexamine their depth chart. Newly signed Emmanuel Sanders will step into Welker’s No. 2 role opposite star wideout Demaryius Thomas, and backups Andre Caldwell and Cody Latimer should be seeing increased time soon.