Just In: Unexpectedly, ex-starter for Las Vegas Raiders decides to play with the Indianapolis Colts

A former Las Vegas Raiders draft pick has joined an AFC squad that is hoping to make a late postseason push this season.

The Indianapolis Colts are 7-6, good enough for the AFC’s seventh seed if the playoffs were held today.

The Colts’ season was jeopardized earlier in the season when youngster Anthony Richardson went down with an injury. Gardner Minshew, the Colts’ backup quarterback, has kept the team competitive. However, the Colts’ offensive line is suffering from a serious injury.

Braden Smith, the Colts’ right lineman, was sidelined with a knee injury in Week 14’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Monday morning, the Colts gained depth at offensive tackle.

Former Las Vegas Raiders OT signs with the Colts

According to NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, the Colts have signed offensive tackle Jared Veldheer to the practice squad.

Blast from the past: Veteran OT Jared Veldheer is coming out of retirement and signing to the #Colts practice squad today, per source. pic.twitter.com/2oxGhTOLJl

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 11, 2023

Veldheer was picked in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Raiders (while they were in Oakland). He remained with the Raiders through the 2013 season, making 48 starts during his four-year tenure. Veldheer last appeared in an NFL game for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.