Veldheer has been on the injured reserve/designated to return list since suffering a torn triceps in training camp. Although he had made significant strides in his rehab over the past month, the Raiders held off activating the former third-round draft pick in order to increase his stamina.
Just how much he’ll play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day remains to be seen. Last week, coach Dennis Allen left open the possibility that Veldheer and Khalif Barnes might split time at the position.
However, by getting Veldheer back, it frees up the Raiders to take care of some of their more pressing concerns.
The left tackle spot has been a liability most of the season.
Barnes was penciled in at right tackle when training camp began, then slid over to the left side after Veldheer was hurt. The veteran offensive lineman has played in every offensive snap, but his overall blocking grades have not been solid, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and he’s also Oakland’s most penalized player.
Veldheer, on the other hand, is widely recognized as the Raiders’ best offensive lineman. He’s improved every year he’s been in the NFL, and he was playing at a Pro Bowl level for much of 2012.
At 6’8”, 321 pounds, Veldheer is bigger, stronger and more nimble in pass protection than any of his counterparts along Oakland’s offensive line.
In 2011 and 2012, much of the success the Raiders had running the ball came around the left side behind Veldheer. Oakland has been more diverse in its approach this year, though, because of the issues the team has had...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
