Former retired player elevated to the Colts active roster for Week 16

The Indianapolis Colts announced their final moves ahead of their Week 16 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.  They officially elevated two players from their practice squad.  This will be the 2nd straight week of WR Ethan Fernea being elevated to the active roster. Fernea is mostly a special teams body who will likely serve as […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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January 19, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Jared Veldheer (68) before the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts announced their final moves ahead of their Week 16 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. 

They officially elevated two players from their practice squad. 

This will be the 2nd straight week of WR Ethan Fernea being elevated to the active roster. Fernea is mostly a special teams body who will likely serve as the backup returner to Josh Downs, with Isaiah McKenzie serving his suspension. Elevating an extra WR also is good insurance for the Colts in case Michael Pittman Jr., who is questionable for Week 16, isn't able to suit up. 

For OT Jared Veldheer, this will be his first game action of the 2023 season. It will actually be his first NFL game since 2020 when he started for the Colts in their playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. He elected to retire following that season and has been retired since. With this elevation, he is now set to make his return to an NFL field, and he will likely be the primary backup tackle for both Bernhard Raimann and Blake Freeland.