The Colts need to win on Sunday to stay alive in the AFC playoff race, and they’re very banged up at tackle at the moment. The team was playing fourth-string tackles during their Week 16 loss to the Steelers, and now the team is bringing in veteran tackle Jared Veldheer for a workout as a result, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.
Stud left tackle Anthony Castonzo is dealing with lingering knee and ankle issues, while right tackle Braden Smith missed last week’s game on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Normal backup left tackle Le’Raven Clark initially would’ve been filling in for Castonzo, but he’s got a torn Achilles. Then Clark’s replacement Will Holden went down with an ankle injury. Thus is life as a teammate of Philip Rivers.
Veldheer is a vet with a lot of starting experience. He started 13 games for Arizona in 2017 and 12 for Denver in 2018. He’s now in the midst of a Brett Favre-esque retirement saga. After signing with the Patriots the following year he elected to retire, only to come out of retirement and play in two games for Green Bay late last season. After almost signing with the Cowboys earlier this season, he once again elected to retire back in September. Apparently he’s waffling yet again and willing to consider another comeback.
When Castonzo left a game against the Raiders two weeks ago the team briefly flirted with moving All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to tackle, although Castonzo was able to return shortly thereafter. Nelson filled in admirably during his short first stint at tackle, and it’ll be interesting to see if they consider making that switch again with all the injuries. Veldheer is only 33, so he should theoretically have something left in the tank physically. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s protecting Rivers’ blindside on Sunday against the Jaguars.
Colts should have little trouble winning against the Jags but they have to be concerned about the Bills and Steelers resting their key players with divisions won and no chance of getting the bye.
The Bills and Steelers are still fighting for playoff positioning though
I don’t think that is as important this year with the Covid restrictions on attendance. I’d be surprised if the Steelers put an aged player like Big Ben at risk in a game they don’t need to win.
Well, I guess you’re right, as the Steelers just announced they’re resting him