NFLPA could vote Friday on new drug policy
The NFL Players Association said its 32 player representatives could vote on a new drug policy Friday, union spokesman George Atallah said via Twitter Thursday evening.
"NFLPA Player Representatives have been asked to set aside time tomorrow to review and potentially vote on new drug policies," Atallah wrote.
The NFL and the union have been engaged in negotiations on a revised drug policy all week, and an agreement by Friday could overturn or reduce the current suspensions of several players, including Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker, serving a four-game suspension for a positive test for a banned amphetamine, and Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon, suspended for the entire season because of multiple substance abuse violations.
Representatives from all 32 teams convened on a conference call Tuesday night, but negotiations had not advanced to the point where it could come to a vote. Talks continued through Thursday on a variety of issues, including HGH testing, testing limits for marijuana, and a change to classify amphetamines as a substance of abuse, rather than a performance enhancing drug.
NFL teams with players currently on suspension are paying attention.
Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Thursday that he would have no trouble inserting Gordon back into the Browns' offensive game plan this week if somehow that were allowed.
The Broncos, meanwhile, refused to speculate to if Welker would play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs should his suspension be lifted. But the Broncos currently have only 52 players on their active roster, one below the limit, as if they are saving a spot for Welker just in case.
It could be difficult for Welker to play right away. He has not participated in a full practice since Aug. 19, the day before he was excused from two sessions to attend his appeal hearing. He suffered a concussion on Aug. 23 and went through only one day of individual drills before his suspension came down.
Welker has remained in the Denver area over the past week and a half, quarterback Peyton Manning said on Wednesday.