The Raiders offensive line got a boost today as left tackle Jared Veldheer returned to the practice field for the first time this season along with early season starter, Tony Pashos, returning at right tackle according to media present at practice.

Before anyone gets their hopes too high, this doesn't mean Veldheer will instantly be plugged back in at left tackle this week when the Raiders face the Texans in Houston. In fact, that is probably not likely. This is Veldheer's first practice since training camp after being placed on partial season injured reserve following surgery on a torn triceps.

The team has a three week window to either activate him or place him on season ending injured reserve. The return to practice is a good sign and after the week that Khalif Barnes had at left tackle, Veldheer is a sight for sore eyes.

Pashos, however, is expected to step in and resume starting duties at right tackle. He was the starter at right tackle to begin the season. He was lost with a groin injury, tried to return for one game and was lost with a hip flexor. Since then it has been Matt McCants and Menelik Watson who have traded off right tackle duties. McCants is now out with a toe injury.

Menelik Watson would be the utility backup tackle behind Pashos and Barnes.

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