Wes Welker highlights formerly suspended players who will return to action in week 3

Wes Welker will return to the Denver Broncos lineup in week 3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The NFL and NFLPA have reached an agreement on a new policy regarding substance abuse, including both recreational drugs and performance enhancing drugs. A joint announcement by the NFL and NFLPA is expected later today.

The highlights of the new policy are per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport:

-A higher threshold for a positive marijuana test.
-A two game suspension upon conviction or plea agreement for driving under the influence.
-Human Growth Hormone testing should begin by the end of the month and will be fully implemented by the end of the season.

While we will not learn about all of the players that are affected, we do know that Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick and St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey will all return to their teams today, and will be eligible to play in week 3.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon's suspension has been reduced to 10 games, he is eligible to return to the team's facility immediately and to games in week 11. (The Browns have a bye week 4, so while the report I linked above from NFL.com says Gordon is able to return week 11, I think the reality is he will return to games week 12.)

There has been no word so far on New Patriots suspended players Brandon Browner and Brian Tyms. Browner's suspension was negotiated down to 4 games, so it is likely that his will stand as is.

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