The opportunity must have been too good for the Green Bay Packers to pass up, especially with starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga nursing a knee injury.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers claimed former New England Patriots offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, who was released off the reserve/retired list on Tuesday.
Veldheer, a third-round pick in 2010, has started 113 career games for three different NFL teams. He made 12 starts for the Denver Broncos last season.
Veldheer signed with the Patriots in May but soon after announced his retirement and hasn’t played during the 2019 season.
If he passes his physical and is activated to the Packers’ 53-man roster, Veldheer could provide the offensive line with veteran experience at both tackle spots.
Bulaga left Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers with a knee injury and could miss games.
As it stands currently, the Packers have second-year offensive tackle Alex Light as the primary backup, with right guard Billy Turner, backup Adam Pankey and rookie Yosh Nijman as options behind Bulaga.
Nijman, who spent the first 12 weeks on the Packers’ practice squad, was activated to the 53-man roster this week. He could be sent back down if Veldheer is officially added to the roster.
