The Chargers announced that offensive tackle Russell Okung will miss the beginning of training camp with a serious medical issue. Okung’s status had been a mystery over the past month, but now we know what’s been going on.
Okung went to his personal Twitter account to address the situation.
The veteran left tackle had been experiencing chest pains at practice in June. He learned that he suffered a pulmonary embolism, caused by blood clots.
Okung said that doctors told him that the decision to seek treatment on at an urgent-care facility likely saved his life.
Okung said that he’s feeling great now and hopes to be back on the field soon. It wouldn’t be all that surprising if he misses all of training camp and preseason action.
If he were to miss regular season games, Sam Tevi would be the first guy up to shift over to left tackle. Meanwhile, rookie Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott would compete for the starting right tackle position.
His absence would be a huge blow to the offensive line, but what matters the most is his personal health.
We wish Russell all the best as he recovers.
