Twice-suspended offensive tackle John Welbourn will join the team next week for practice, a source close to the situation said Tuesday. Welbourn, a staple on a line that paved the way for the NFL’s No. 1 offense last year, retired unexpectedly last summer, then was suspended for six weeks for violating the league’s drug policy.

Welbourn also sat for four games at the start of 2005 for steroid use. At the time of his second suspension in September, the Chiefs said they’d wait to decide whether to take him back. Now Welbourn will work out Oct. 23, and the club will have a two-week commissioner’s exemption to determine his physical status.

The Chiefs lost both of their starting tackles by training camp, as 11-time Pro Bowler Willie Roaf announced his retirement just as the team was heading for River Falls, Wis. It got worse from there. Quarterback Trent Green was knocked unconscious in the season opener and still hasn’t returned to the field.

Then left tackle Kyle Turley’s back problems flared up, and on Sunday, the Chiefs lost starting fullback Ronnie Cruz for the season because of a knee injury. So Welbourn, who was steady at right tackle last year, would be a welcome addition, assuming he’s stayed in football shape.