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According to The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts received a team visit from free agent veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer:
NFL visits and workouts including J.J. Nelson (Bills), Jared Veldheer (Colts), Jake Rudock (Dolphins), Duke Thomas (Bills), Marcus Green (Cardinals), P.J. Johnson (Packers), Tristan Vizcaino (49ers), Matt Wile (Buccaneers) pic.twitter.com/IScYTHtZd0
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 29, 2020
Originally a 2010 3rd round pick of the Oakland Raiders, the 33 year old veteran offensive tackle has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals (2014-17), Denver Broncos (2018), New England Patriots (2019), and Green Bay Packers (2019).
He signed a 5-year, $35 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals back in the 2014 offseason.
The 10-year veteran has made 113 career starts and appeared in 120 NFL games.
At a long 6’8”, 321 pounds, Veldheer last started for the Broncos in 2018—where he made 12 starts during that season. He appeared in 2 games for the Packers last year in 2019.
During last season with the Packers, per PFF, Veldheer received a +69.2 overall grade in limited action (35 total snaps)—including a +83.6 pass blocking grade.
With the Colts depleted at offensive tackle with Anthony Castonzo’s status uncertain (knee/ankle) and Braden Smith still on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Veldheer is a battle-tested offensive tackle with a wealth of past starting experience—although it’s a fair question of how much he has left in the tank at this late stage of his playing career.
It’s been reported that the Colts primary backup left tackle, Will Holden (ankle), will likely be unavailable for this Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (who started last week before leaving with an injury), so Veldheer could theoretically provide additional veteran depth—maybe even spot-start until further notice.
Update (8:27 PM EST):
ESPN’s Field Yates has also reported that the Colts are working out offensive tackle Jared Veldheer:
With their current issues at OT, the Colts are bringing in veteran Jared Veldheer for a workout. Intriguing name after finishing last season and playing well in spot duty for the Packers.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 28, 2020