Wes Welker News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

Boston Globe

"Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman made his NFL debut against the Jets in Week 2, filling in for Wes Welker, who had a knee injury at the time. Edelman caught eight passes for 98 yards in the 16-9 loss. Edelman has had his share of opportunities in his rookie season but missed two games due to a broken forearm. He returned to the lineup against the Colts on Sunday and said throughout the season he has taken notes watching and playing with Welker."

Wes Welker's presence shapes what goes on

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November 20

Boston Herald

"When Wes Welker was a surprise scratch prior to facing the New York Jets in Week 2, it created pandemonium in the fantasy football world, as owners scrambled to replace one of their most productive receivers. In the real world, the void was even greater. The Patriots were left facing the blitz-happy, pressure-crazy Jets defense without one of their strongest antidotes, without quarterback Tom Brady's security blanket. When time grew short and the play grew hectic, Welker wasn't there to ease Brady's nerves. With rookie Julian Edelman filling in as the slot receiver, it wasn't the same. "We always miss Wes. He's one of the best players on our team, one of the best in the league," said ..."

Wes Welker picks up knowledge, yards

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October 30

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker doesn't mind explaining his secrets. The NFL's leader in catches with 46, despite missing two games with a knee injury, he is also tops with 96.8 receiving yards per game. And, according to CBS statisticians, Welker has 1,684 yards after the catch since joining the Pats in 2007, best in the NFL during that time frame. This season, he leads all receivers with 286 yards after the catch. While the Patriots pass-catcher has accumulated his statistics in a number of ways, perhaps the most obvious is how he's first among his peers in yards after the catch. Yesterday, Welker broke down his productivity in that area, describing the various facets. An essential facet, the 5-foot-9, ..."

Wes Welker in fantasy world

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October 8

Boston Herald

"If your head was spinning trying to decide whether to start Wes Welker on your fantasy football team the last three weeks, you're not alone. The Patriots receiver said his phone was ringing non-stop with the same questions. "Oh yeah, everybody was asking, 'Should I start you, should I not?' " Welker said yesterday. "I didn't answer any of those. I only answered the ones, like, 'How are you doing?' But I definitely I got a lot of calls as far as that goes." Welker was a surprise scratch because of a knee injury before the Jets game after catching 12 passes for 93 yards in the opener vs. Buffalo. His absence sent the ever-popular world of fantasy football into pandemonium, as owners ..."

Wes Welker well enough to contribute

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October 5

Boston Herald

"All it took was four plays before Tom Brady got reacquainted with his go-to guy, Wes Welker, during yesterday's game against Baltimore. A quick-hitter from the shotgun that moved the chains for 10 yards, and it was like they never had been apart. Welker pretty much picked up where he left off before missing a pair of games with a knee injury. Welker led all Patriots receivers yesterday with six catches for 48 yards in the 27-21 victory against the Ravens. "It felt good (to be back out there). It's been a pretty depressing two weeks leading up to this," Welker said. "Finally being able to get out there has been a good deal for me." On a few occasions, he did seem a bit out of sync with ..."

Pats WR Welker, DT Wilfork active vs. Ravens

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October 4

NFL.com

"Patriots WR Wes Welker and DT Vince Wilfork will be active this week as New England plays host to Baltimore. Welker missed the Patriots' last two games with a knee injury after having 12 receptions in the opener. WR Joey Galloway has been deactivated."

Brady gets chills without Wes Welker

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October 4

Boston Herald

"For the past two weeks, Tom Brady has been without his go-to guy. His on-field security blanket has been missing. Not having wide receiver Wes Welker in the slot, at his disposal, has certainly given a different feel to the offense. Welker is the outlet Brady looks to when he's in trouble and when he needs to keep the chains moving. When Welker is not there, the trouble tends to multiply. At least, that's how it has transpired against the Jets and Falcons. Rookie Julian Edelman, aka "Mini-Me," may be a Welker clone, but he's still learning. Brady doesn't have the same level of trust with Edelman, as he does with Welker. Joey Galloway, meanwhile, is lost, and hasn't been able to find his ..."

Healthy dose of reality

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October 3

Boston Globe

"The sight of Jerod Mayo, Wes Welker, and Vince Wilfork all on the practice field was almost enough to make you forget they were still on the injury report. You'd have to go back to the first quarter of the Patriots' Week 1 matchup against Buffalo to find a time when they were all available, and having them on the practice field yesterday was an obvious boost to the team. "It was nice,'' linebacker Pierre Woods said with a grin. "Very nice. It's nice to have everybody out there. That way we can all get together, jell, go out there and do what we need to do.''"

Improved Wes Welker takes it slow

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October 3

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker indicated he felt some improvement in his ailing knee yesterday. But whether that upgrade was good enough for the Patriots wide receiver to play tomorrow against the Baltimore Ravens won't likely be determined until just before gametime. Judging by Welker's remarks, it sounds like the team's medical staff is trying to get the injury to the point where it won't become a hindrance all year. "Being a football player, you always want to get out there and play," said Welker, who never had missed a game in his career until sitting out the Pats' last two contests. "The main thing is being smart, and make sure you're ready for the long haul." Having Welker, the NFL's leading receiver ..."

They look weaker with no Welker

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October 1

Baltimore Sun

"Missing games is not something Wes Welker is used to. Before this year, Welker had never played in fewer than 15 in a season, but he has been sidelined in back-to-back games - by a knee injury - for the first time in his six-year career. Yesterday, the wide receiver had limited participation at practice as the Patriots prepared for Sunday's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. As the team's leading receiver the last two seasons, Welker represents a critical piece of the offense. "Any time you have Wes out there, it helps,'' Tom Brady said. "He's led the league in receptions over the course of the last two years. Any time you substitute anybody in for him, it's tough. "There's only one Wes ..."

Hurt Randy Moss, Wes Welker miss practice

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September 26

Boston Herald

"The generally quiet release of the Friday afternoon practice report included one red flag yesterday that sounded like an air horn. Receiver Randy Moss did not practice with the Patriots because of a back problem - a surprising development. Moss is officially listed as questionable. Fellow receiver Wes Welker (knee) also did not practice and is listed as questionable. Moss and Welker were both on the field during the media access portion of practice, though neither took part in team drills. Moss was not in the locker room while reporters were there, the first time in recent memory that has happened. Neither players, nor coach Bill Belichick, were available when Moss' news became public. ..."

Wes Welker still iffy

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September 25

Boston Herald

"Patriots receiver Wes Welker returned to practice yesterday for the first time since sitting out Sunday's game against the Jets. The receiver was listed as "limited" because of a knee problem, and it's not clear if he'll return Sunday against Atlanta. But the fact he was out there working appears to be positive. The NFL's most prolific receiver during 2007 and 2008 ran gingerly and did not test his knee at full-speed during the portion of practice open to the media. During the 16-9 loss to the Jets, Welker's absence hurt, even with Julian Edelman stepping in for 98 receiving yards. Bill Belichick had said neither coach nor player knew if Welker would go until noon. Cornerback Darrelle ..."

Patriots receiver Wes Welker out for today's game vs. the Jets

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September 20

Boston Herald

"Some surprising and potentially damaging news for the Patriots. Wes Welker, a key cog in this offense, is out for today's game. The most prolific receiver over the last two years in the NFL with 223 catches is one of the final four inactives announced a few seconds ago. Maybe this is why Julian Edelman was warming up. The other three inactives announced: are Kendall Simmons, Michael Matthews and Rich Ohrnberger."

Welker's status in question for season opener

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September 2

Boston Globe

"Where's Welker? Receiver Wes Welker, who has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, answered questions from reporters and said he's working hard to return. He hopes to be ready for the season opener, but cited team policy in deciding not to answer a question about his level of concern with his health situation. "We really don't speak about those things," he said. Kevin O'Connell follow-up. Belichick didn't go into much detail on the decision to release quarterback Kevin O'Connell. He said that the team wanted to evaluate the other two quarterbacks, but left unsaid was that there was nothing that would have hindered those evaluations from taking place with O'Connell still on the ..."

Rule adjustment has little impact on Welker

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April 7

Boston Globe

"Save for Arizona's Anquan Boldin, no NFL wide receiver had the right to be as pleased with the recently added protections for defenseless pass catchers as Wes Welker. The Patriots Pro Bowl wide receiver was the victim of a crushing blow by Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark late in the third quarter of a 33-10 loss Nov. 30. As Welker completed a route across the middle of the field and looked back for the ball, which had been tipped out of reach, Clark went airborne and blasted Welker under the chin with a shoulder/forearm. The hit, which was deemed legal but flagged only for being late, knocked Welker out of the game. Under the rule passed at the NFL's annual meeting late last month, hits like ..."

It's a fun snow day for Welker

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December 22

Boston Globe

"Unlike the Arizona Cardinals, who were easily conquered by the Patriots and yesterday's harsh weather, Wes Welker took note of the wintry conditions and approached his job with the youthful exuberance of a kid eager to play sandlot football in the middle of a snow storm. "A little bit, you know," Welker said following the Patriots' 47-7 pasting of the Cardinals at Gillette Stadium on the first official day of winter. "I was a little kid the last time I probably did see weather like that, so it did take me back a little bit. "I think I was excited about it and getting a chance to practice in it this week gave us some good opportunities to get ready for the cold weather." That enthusiasm was ..."

Wes Welker, Stephen Gostkowski honored

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December 17

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker was supposedly too small to make it in college, let alone the NFL. Stephen Gostkowski didn’t figure to have much of a chance to replace franchise legend Adam Vinatieri. Today they’re both Pro Bowlers. Welker and Gostkowski each were elected to their first Pro Bowls yesterday, with the former a reserve and the latter a starter. They were the Pats’ lone representatives, one year after the team placed eight players on the roster. “Coach called me around 3 o’clock. I thought I was in trouble,” Gostkowski said. “It’s exciting. You work all year and to get recognized like this is cool, but you can’t let it overshadow what’s going on right now. We’re trying to make the playoffs. I’m ..."

Welker open to getting number called

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December 15

Boston Globe

"The spotlight coming in was on the return of Randy Moss, who was last spotted here as a disgruntled Raider in 2006. But it didn't take long for fellow receiver Wes Welker to gain the attention of the Raiders and their rowdy, rain-soaked fans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Welker got open early and often, igniting an offense that scored on its first four possessions as the Patriots took a 28-7 lead before downshifting and cruising to a 49-26 win that completed a sweep of their second West Coast trip. "Offensively, we had a lot of guys that had a lot of big plays for us," coach Bill Belichick said. "Wes and Randy and certainly the backs, but Wes has been a clutch player for us all year ..."

Wes Welker grabs milestone

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December 15

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker again was Matt Cassel’s favorite target yesterday, catching six passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ 49-26 win against the Raiders. Along the way, he became the eighth player in NFL history to notch back-to-back 100-catch seasons. No. 100 was a 13-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. He caught the pass and, naturally, took a hit before crossing the goal line. Welker dipped his head and surged forward to make it into the end zone. “It was one of those deals where you don’t want to take a hit, but I haven’t got into the end zone too much,” he said. “I wanted to make sure I got in on that one.” Welker downplayed the milestone. “It’ll mean something when ..."

Welker grabs spotlight

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December 8

Boston Globe

"After the Patriots escaped the Pacific Northwest with a 24-21 victory over the Seahawks, Randy Moss told Wes Welker, "You are slippery." Welker, who last week absorbed a vicious hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark that knocked the diminutive receiver out of the game, ran the Patriots' slip screen game to perfection yesterday. Welker, who finished with season highs in catches (12) and yards (134), was able to relieve pressure on quarterback Matt Cassel, who was under fire from the Seahawks pass rush. "He is a guy who you can rely on," Cassel said of Welker. "He is a guy that I look to constantly in big pressure situations because I know that he is going to get open." The team ..."

No keeping Wes Welker down

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December 8

Boston Herald

"In the visitor’s locker room, the sight of Wes Welker’s back - discolored, bruised, full of welts - reflected the price of playing a violent game as an undersized receiver. In the last two weeks, Welker had taken more than his usual share of tough hits, capped by a crunching pop by Steelers safety Ryan Clark, which forced the receiver to the sidelines against his will. “I think everybody is banged up at this point of the season,” shrugged Welker. “You just have to fight through it. That’s part of your job. I think people thought (Clark’s hit) was worse than it was. It was what it was. You’re going to take some vicious hits and you just have to get ready for the next play.” Welker’s rebound ..."

Tough Wes Welker draws praise

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December 2

Boston Herald

"A day later, the Patriots still were talking about Wes Welker. Teammates believed the hardy wideout was going to be OK after absorbing a brutal blow in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers which might end up lightening the wallet of safety Ryan Clark. Clark laid out Welker on a tipped ball in the second half of Pittsburgh’s 33-10 victory. Welker didn’t return, though he later was spotted standing on the sideline. Clark was penalized 15 yards for hitting a defenseless receiver. “He’s a little firecracker,” Pats guard Logan Mankins said. “He’s a tough little guy. He took a big hit. I think he’s all right. Hopefully he’s all right. You never want to see anything bad happen to anyone, but I think ..."

He can't be kept down

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November 24

Boston Globe

"Wes Welker never got the license plate of the tractor-trailer that flattened him following a first-quarter reception yesterday. Hauling in a desperation shovel pass from Matt Cassel, Welker turned upfield and was summarily steamrolled by Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder. The ever-durable Welker stayed on the ground trying to collect the breath that had been knocked out of him, but it looked worse than that. It could be assumed forward-thinking Patriots coach Bill Belichick already was considering potential slot receivers to try out next week if Welker joined the team's expansive infirmary report. Instead, Welker, who amazingly held onto the ball for a 2-yard gain on the play, was right ..."

Play of the game: Something out of nothing for Wes Welker

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November 24

Boston Herald

"Despite all the twists in the Patriots’ 48-28 win over the Dolphins yesterday in Miami, perhaps the cruelest irony occurred in the final moments of the third quarter. The Pats were clinging to a 24-21 lead and faced second-and-8 from their 15-yard line. With Wes Welker in the slot, Matt Cassel dumped a short pass to the former Dolphin on the left side. Welker then evaded defenders and ran around and by Dolphins defenders, down the sideline for a 64-yard gain before being shoved out of bounds at the Miami 21. The Pats scored two plays later for a 31-21 lead. Wes Welker “We’re just trying to do our job of getting as open as possible. The O-line is giving a lot of time, and the backs are ..."

Wes Welker’s record effort doesn’t stop short

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November 10

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker accepted the news of his NFL record with a modest shrug and predictable platitudes after the Patriots’ 20-10 victory yesterday over the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Welker made 10 catches for 107 yards to become the first player in NFL history to have six or more catches in the first nine games of a season. He entered the game tied with Jimmy Smith, who set the mark with Jacksonville in 2001. Dating back to last season, Welker has six or more catches in 13 straight games. “I don’t pay much attention to it, I’m just out there trying to play winning football and move the chains and things like that,” Welker said. But Welker became unusually animated when asked about the two ..."

Wes Welker doesn’t let up

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November 8

Boston Herald

"It didn’t take Tom Brady and Wes Welker long to click, finding that special chemistry and rhythm between a quarterback and a receiver. All Welker did last season was set a franchise record with 112 catches. One might think with a new quarterback, and a more conservative game plan, Welker’s production might dip a bit this season. Only, he hasn’t lost a beat with Matt Cassel. In fact, with his 56 receptions, Welker’s on pace to tie his franchise record. Cassel said the two have done nothing out of the ordinary to build their own chemistry. “I just tell him to get open, and I try to throw him the ball,” Cassel said. “He does a great job and he continues to work hard. He is definitely a ..."

Welker a good role model for Camarillo

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September 21

Miami Herald

"When wide receiver Greg Camarillo started his search for a new pad in South Florida upon signing with the Dolphins last season, he heard about a former player who was trying to rent out his place in Plantation. It seemed like a natural fit. ''There was a No. 83 jersey framed on the wall, ready for me when I got there,'' said Camarillo, who had chosen that same number in Miami. ``I would have just needed to cover up the name.'' The name on the jersey -- and the name on the deed -- was ''Welker.'' Yes, Wes Welker, a Dolphins receiver from 2004 to '06 who has since become a household name in the NFL after breaking the all-time New England single-season reception record. Camarillo decided ..."

Eager Wes Welker returns

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August 3

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker has experienced many of the variables a player deals with in an NFL training camp. Feeling rusty and out of sync has never been one of them. Welker was officially removed from the physically unable to perform squad yesterday, and he actively participated in game situation drills in the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse adjacent to Gillette Stadium. Welker missed all of the team’s spring practices and the first eight days of camp because of a groin injury. It was the first time in Welker’s career, at any level, that he missed the start of a training camp. “This is definitely a little different,” he said. “But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to make sure you put a good performance out ..."