When Raiders coach Dennis Allen announced that left tackle Jared Veldheer tore his left triceps and needed surgery, word was that the Raiders planned to place Veldheer on injured reserve with the designation to return.
That may have sounded like wishful thinking for an injury that takes about four months to heal, but a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN lends some strength to the hope that all is not lost for Veldheer.
Per Schefter, Veldheer’s triceps is only partially torn and that doctors believe the tackle will be available for much of the season. Schefter adds that Veldheer’s injury is considered a less severe version of the injuries suffered by former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and 49ers defensive end Justin Smith last season. Lewis missed 10 games last season before returning for the postseason while Smith missed two games but played at a diminished capacity before and after his absence.
If Veldheer does go on IR with the possibility of returning, he would be eligible to return after the Raiders play the Steelers on October 27 in the eighth week of the season.