Before the 2013 NFL season got underway, the Oakland Raiders suffered a major blow on the offensive side of the football losing arguably one of their best players in left tackle Jared Veldheer.
Veldheer went down with a torn triceps and was thought to possibly miss the entire season as a result, but the 26-year-old vowed to return this season and has apparently stuck by that stance. Veldheer continues to eye a return to the field for the Raiders in Week 9 according to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle via Twitter:
#Raiders LT Jared Veldheer (triceps) said Wed. he can now put his own deodorant on. Now has to strengthen left arm as eyes Week 9 return
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 11, 2013
Once Veldheer was placed on the IR-recall list last month, the consensus was that he would return to reclaim his role as the starting left tackle, but the timetable remained uncertain. Week 9 was the initial return date and it may remain that way.
In Week 6, the Raiders will go on the road to face off against the division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The team is coming off an impressive win over the San Diego Chargers and may be able to pull off consecutive upsets of a division rival before heading into their bye week.
After coming back from their bye week, the Raiders will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 and then the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9. Although the Raiders currently sporting a losing record at 2-3, it could be argued the team’s should be 4-1.
Oakland has played much better than anticipated with Terrelle Pryor under center and may continue to surprise people moving forward. The addition of Veldheer up front will only improve this team’s chances of winning week in and week out.
