It's been a while since the Raiders had their standout starting left tackle take the field to protect the quarterback's blindside. That stint could end next week in Dallas when Raiders head coach Dennis Allen expects Jared Veldheer to be activated from the partial season injured reserve.

"[Jared Veldheer] got practice reps this week," said Allen on Wednesday. "I don't anticipate him being up and playing in the game this week. I'm really shooting for the Thanksgiving day game to get him back."

Veldheer was officially eligible to return to action after week eight but was not ready yet. He returned to practice Wednesday of last week at which point the Raiders were on the clock to activate him. They had three weeks and per Dennis Allen's target timeline, he will be back a week before that.

Prior to the triceps injury Veldheer suffered in training camp, he had started 43 straight games for the Raiders dating back to his 2010 rookie season. In his place this season has been Khalif Barnes who shifted over from his right tackle spot. He has had his ups and downs and mixed results.

Getting Veldheer back on the field would strengthen the line considerably not just by his play but by being able to move Barnes to either take over at left guard or move back to right tackle where he had been the Raiders' starter the previous two seasons.

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