Los Angeles Rams

'Poster child' for concussions Welker unconcerned about past injuries

Published Nov. 10, 2015 9:49 p.m. ET

foxsports

Wes Welker suited up for his first practice with the St. Louis Rams on Tuesday and dismissed any concerns over the concussions that have plagued him over the latter part of his career.

"I already played a full season without a concussion, so I'm really not worried about it," Welker said. "I know I'm the poster child right now and everything else. I'm good, and I'm ready to play some ball."

Welker signed with the Rams on Monday as a replacement for Stedman Bailey, who was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on substance abuse. He spent the previous two seasons with the Denver Broncos, suffering three concussions in a span of nine months from November 2013 through August 2014.

"I've been cleared by the doctors and everything else," Welker said. "Obviously, I'm not going to try to look for contact and everything like that, but I'm not thinking about it either. I’m out there playing hard and playing the way I need to play to be successful out there."

While Welker had only 49 catches with Denver last season, his lowest total since 2005, St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher said he was not wary of the 34-year-old's concussion history.

“I mean, he expressed an interest,” Fisher said. “So, this was his decision. He missed football. He loves football. He’s fine. He hasn’t had any issues and he just wants to play and help us win.”