NFLPA approves new drug policy, Welker still out

Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker won’t be suiting up on Sunday.

Neither will Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

Despite the union’s approval, the NFL didn’t sign off on a new drug policy before Saturday’s roster deadline, meaning players potentially eligible for reinstatement remained on the reserve/suspended list.

The NFL Players Association approved a new policy Friday that would introduce HGH testing and significantly increase the threshold for positive marijuana tests. Other changes could result in suspended players seeing their punishments reduced or rescinded.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press on Friday night that significant issues remained unresolved.

On Saturday morning, the NFLPA issued a statement saying, “We hope to have final agreements, including effective date for players with adjusted discipline, very soon.”

If the NFL agrees to the new drug policy soon, Welker could be eligible to play against Seattle next week.