:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68652913/usa_today_13965954.0.jpg)
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Green Bay Packers have signed offensive tackle Jared Veldheer from the Indianapolis Colts practice squad—as the veteran made NFL playoff history in the process:
OT Jared Veldheer, who started for the Colts' on Saturday, is now signing with the Packers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2021
Veldheer will be the first player in NFL history to play two postseason games for two playoff teams. He is allowed to sign with GB because he was on the Colts' practice squad.
After Anthony Castonzo was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending injury, the Colts signed the 11-year veteran offensive tackle, who started the past two games for Indianapolis along the blindside—and impressively held his own (after weeks of inactivity).
However, shortly after the Colts lost Castonzo, the Packers also lost starting offensive tackle David Bakhtiari. Veldheer appeared in 2 games for the Packers in 2019 and even started in a playoff game, so his return seems logical—given his familiarity with Green Bay already.
In fact, one could make the argument that Veldheer may have been better off signing with the Packers initially (and was a bit ‘unlucky’ in his timing)—given that Green Bay is 13-3 and appears to be more of a top contender than the Colts were (yes, I know Indianapolis beat Green Bay earlier this season, but consistency over multiple games is key—and also having Aaron Rodgers).
It’s a moot point regardless because Veldheer, in a very unique set of circumstances, gets to immediately sign with a championship contender right in time for the playoffs’ stretch run.