Packers: Bringing back Jared Veldheer is a genius move

Bringing back Jared Veldheer is a great move by the Packers.

In the playoffs a year ago, the Green Bay Packers needed a tackle to fill in for Bryan Bulaga. They turned to Jared Veldheer, who they had signed just weeks earlier.

Veldheer put in an incredible performance in the divisional-round victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Now, a year on, with need at tackle again now that David Bakhtiari has been lost for the season, Veldheer returns just in time.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers are signing Veldheer from the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. New rules this season allowed Veldheer to be on the practice squad, which is the only reason why this move is possible.

Schefter notes that Veldheer will be the first NFL player in history to play in two playoff games for separate teams. He started for the Indianapolis Colts in their wild-card defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

How about that? Veldheer retired for the second time in September but agreed to return in December by signing with the Colts. He then started a playoff game, and despite it ending in a losing effort, he now gets another opportunity to go for the Lombardi Trophy a week later.

Signing Veldheer is a smart move by general manager Brian Gutekunst.

Whether he will start this week against the Los Angeles Rams remains to be seen, but he’ll be ready. Veldheer has familiarity in this offense and only played in a game last week.

Even if he doesn’t start and the Packers go with Billy Turner and Rick Wagner on Saturday, having Veldheer in reserve ensures the team has great depth at tackle.

Gutekunst is always looking for ways to strengthen the Packers roster. He’s already signed Tavon Austin and Damon Harrison in recent weeks.

Gutekunst brought in Veldheer last season and he made a big impact when the Packers needed him. He now gets that opportunity again.