According to Jeff Legwold and Chris Mortensen, the Broncos are expected to rule Wes Welker out for Sunday's game at Houston, and then also rest him for the regular season finale at Oakland.

Welker had suffered two concussions in a span of 22 days (against Kansas City and Tennessee), so this would appear to be a sensible decision - that is, if he should return at all this season.

Denver is currently in line for home field advantage and a first-round bye, so Welker, who sat out last week's game against San Diego, could end up with four weeks off before their first playoff game.

A win at Houston, combined with a Chiefs loss to the visiting Colts, would clinch the AFCW and a bye for Denver.

If, in addition, New England were to lose or tie at Baltimore, the Broncos would claim HFA as soon as Sunday evening.

Welker did some conditioning work on Thursday, but along with Derek Wolfe and Kayvon Webster, did not practice.

According to John Fox, Welker and Wolfe are progressing; Webster underwent surgery last Friday to repair a fractured thumb, and will not play on Sunday.

For the second straight day, nine others were listed on the injury report as full participants, including Champ Bailey, who says he will play.