The Denver Broncos' receiving corps will have their dynamic slot receiver back for the playoffs.
Wes Welker has been cleared to play after missing the past three games with a concussion, Broncos coach John Fox announced Monday.
Welker practiced with the Broncos last week on a limited basis after suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 14.
Welker will have an extra week to recover after Denver clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC playoffs with its 34-14 win Sunday over the Oakland Raiders.
Peyton Manning didn't miss a beat the past two weeks without Welker, as the QB set gaudy NFL passing records. However, come playoff time Welker will play a big role in a potential Super Bowl run in the chilly Denver weather.
Here are the other injury news items to know Monday:
- Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy announced that linebacker Clay Matthews (thumb surgery) will miss another week. McCarthy didn't sound particularly hopeful of Matthews returning anytime soon if the Packers advance in the playoffs.
- Running back Eddie Lacy's ankle looks "much better" this week, according to McCarthy. That's good to hear, but Lacy looked far from 100 percent in Green Bay's win over Chicago. McCarthy said he was happy the Packers were playing Sunday, not Saturday.
- New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said David Wilson will undergo neck surgery in the offseason and should be able to play in 2014.
- Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (concussion) will practice Tuesday. It looks like he'll play Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts.
- The Seattle Seahawks say wide receiver Percy Harvin (hip) plans to practice this week, which is a surprise. Coach Pete Carroll said last week Harvin could be headed for injured reserve.
- MRI results for Brian Hartline confirm the Miami Dolphins receiver has a PCL tear. The Miami Herald reports he won't need surgery and will be ready for training camp.
- Vontae Davis gave the Colts a scare, leaving Sunday's win over the Jaguars early with a groin injury. Monday's MRI results on the cornerback came back negative, the team announced.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" recapped all of Week 17's wild action.
