Here is some scary news for fans of the Denver Broncos. Wes Welker, the star receiver who was recently acquired from the New England Patriots, is not scheduled to return to the team’s lineup until the playoffs.

The Broncos are set to have one of the top spots going into the playoffs, but as they are currently tied with the Chiefs, and only one game ahead of the Patriots, the last couple of games will play into their seeding in the playoffs.

With a victory in their next two games, the Broncos would clinch a first-round bye, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Fortunately for the Broncos, the final two games of the season, which they will play without Wes Welker, are against two of the worst teams in the league. The Texans and the Raiders have a combined record of 6-22, and they will play the Texans and Raiders to close out the season, respectively.

Welker resumed light physical activity on Thursday, but today, it was announced that he would be ruled for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, and will likely not make it back until the playoffs. Wes Welker suffered two concussion in a span of three weeks, and is still recovering from the injuries.

On Wes Welker: Today, he’ll be ruled out for Sun. Hasn’t practiced yet. Drs will determine that after the game. Could miss the finale. (1/2)

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 20, 2013

His most recent injury came during a game agaisnt the Tennessee Tittans on December 8th when he left shortly before halftime. He suffered a neck injury in addition to his concussion, and also suffered a concussion in their win against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 17th.

Peyton Manning might not miss Wes Welker. His Total QBR with Welker on the field: 79.4. Without Welker on the field: 91.7.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 20, 2013

Speaking on the injury of Wes Welker, coach John Fox said “The exercise is picking up. They’re doing more and more with him in the weight room, running around out here a little bit and … he’s doing better every day.”

The Denver Broncos started the season with unstoppable force as Peyton Manning set records as a quarterback, and the team went 6-0 before losing to Manning’s old team, the Indianapolis Colts.

The Broncos lost to the Chargers in their last game, while playing without Wes Welker, but will certainly expect more favorable results when entering Houston on Sunday.

Image via Wikimedia Commons