For the most part, Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker looked like his old self in Sunday’s 24-17 victory over the Chargers.
He caught six passes for 38 yards and a touchdown while also drawing a pass interference penalty that helped the Broncos drive for another touchdown in the second half. It wasn’t a perfect game, Welker had a drop in the first half, but the only way you’d know something was different about Welker was by looking at his helmet.
Welker returned from his concussion with a bigger helmet worn in hopes of providing more protection against another head injury.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a concussion helmet,” Welker said, via the Denver Post. “It’s the next size up. A few players in here wear one. It’s something they had me wear for safety.”
The look is reminiscent of the one favored by the Great Gazoo, but looking a bit like a thorn in Fred Flintstone’s side is a small price to pay if it means avoiding a third concussion of the season and another absence from the lineup. With Welker emerging from the game unscathed, questions about his new helmet should give way to questions about facing his old teammates pretty quickly.