Patriots Player Profiles: Wes Welker
BOSTON (CBS) - Wes Welker enters his fifth season with New England in 2011, and if the past four have taught us anything, the Patriots receiver will be a huge part of the offense once again.
2010 Stats: 86 receptions, 848 yards, 7 touchdowns
Welker tore his MCL and ACL in his left knee in January 2010, but just eight months later, he started the Patriots season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching Tom Brady's first pass of the season for a touchdown. It was thought that Welker would not return until mid-season, and some feared he would miss the entire 2010 campaign. They obviously do not know Welker's determination.
He had eight catches for 64 yards and caught two touchdowns that opening weekend, and ended up leading the team with 86 receptions, 848 yards and 411 yards after the catch. If Welker had not proved his willingness to do anything for the team yet, he did in Week Nine against the Browns. After kicker Stephen Gostkowski left with a torn right quad, Welker filled in, booting an extra point for New England.
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2011 Outlook: It was no surprise Welker made such an emphatic return to the NFL in such a short period of time after his injury. He has yet to disappoint in his four seasons with the Patriots, giving it 110-percent on the field every down. He will remain Tom Brady's favorite target, even with Deion Branch back in town. 2010 was his first year without over 100 receptions with the Patriots, so look for him to hit that number again after a full season back from the injury under his belt.
