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Wes Welker suspended for Adderall use, not MDMA

The Broncos will be without Wes Welker for four games, but not for the reason that has been widely reported.

Ronald Martinez

Denver Broncos slot receiver Wes Welker was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy, but not for using MDMA (also called "Molly"), as originally reported. Instead, Welker was banned for Adderall, according to CBS insider Jason La Canfora.

Adderall is a well-known amphetamine that gives a major boost of energy while improving the user's focus. The new information does not change Welker's status with the league, as either drug would have resulted in the same suspension.

Denver has a tough stretch over its first four games, playing three playoff teams from 2013; the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks. The fourth game won't be easy either, with the Broncos hosting the tenacious Arizona Cardinals.

With Welker unavailable, there is talk that wideout Demaryius Thomas will be moved into the slot, which would allow rookie Cody Latimer to play outside opposite free-agent acquisition Emmanuel Sanders. The original plan was to have Jordan Norwood play when Welker was out, but he sustained a torn ACL and is lost for the season.