Wes Welker’s third concussion in 10 months creates concerns about his long-term health. Viewed in a vacuum, his recovery from the forearm shiver delivered by the Houston Texans’ D.J. Swearinger is going well. Players who have talked with Welker over the past two days remain encouraged by his progress. Coach John Fox has not ruled out the star slot receiver for the Sept. 7 opener.
“He’s doing fantastic in the process (of the league’s concussion protocol),” Fox said. “We take it one day at a time. But he had another positive day.”
Offensive coordinator Adam Gase admitted that he will review the playbook to determine whether certain plays for Welker are adding danger. Welker’s receptions are often in high-traffic areas, where he’s bracketed by multiple defenders. Welker ducked to the ground after catching a 9-yard pass Saturday as Swearinger delivered the hit. Welker’s head snapped to the turf, and when he rose to his feet he left the game.
“I will take a look at the route concepts, and why it happened and if we have to make any adjustments,” Gase said.
Welker, who caught 10 touchdown passes last season, must be cleared by the Broncos’ doctor and an independent physician before he’s allowed to practice.
Ware returns to Big D. Pass rusher DeMarcus Ware looks forward to returning to Dallas. He’s not expected to play Thursday, but the reunion is meaningful even if he’s on visitor’s sideline.
“It’s going to be a little different. It’s great to have another opportunity with the Broncos. I think it will be just good memories going back. Business is business and at the end of the day you have to transition to what is next,” Ware said Tuesday.
Ware is pleased with how his body has responded since joining the Broncos. He will play at 255 pounds this season, compared to 265 his last season in Dallas. This will help him drop back in coverage on occasion as he did against the Texans.
Footnotes. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders continues to work to get his right quad to 100 percent. He requires a few breaks in practice to prevent aggravating the injury. … The Broncos face tough decisions to slice their roster to 53 players on Saturday. “It’s not easy. But if it doesn’t work out with the Broncos, this is an opportunity for them to put a good showing on tape for somebody else. These guys have tough jobs. It’s a tough way to earn a living, and they earn every penny,” Fox said.
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck
