Russell Okung spent the opening day of Chargers training camp Thursday mostly working on his own, hours after revealing he recently survived a "near death type experience."
In a social media post, the team's starting left tackle wrote that he suffered a pulmonary embolism on June 1. The Chargers placed Okung on the non-football injury list Wednesday.
"After experiencing unusual chest pains at practice ... I went to urgent care out of an abundance of caution," the post read. "According to the doctors who treated me, the decision to do so likely saved my life."
Okung didn't speak with the media following practice, instead choosing to let his statement stand.
"All injuries are serious," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "But we're used to the ankles and knees and all those things. They are tough to deal with ... But this is even ... It's one of those silent-and-deadly deals."
Okung wrote that the embolism was caused by blood clots. He added that, when detected early, the condition is "very treatable." A pulmonary embolism occurs when an artery in the lungs is blocked by a blood clot.
The Chargers do not have a timetable for Okung's return and are preparing for the prospect that he could miss at least training camp, which runs through Aug. 16 in Costa Mesa.
"I'm feeling great physically," Okung wrote. "It's not an ankle or a shoulder. As soon as doctors clear me, my plans include blocking #17's blind side all the way to Miami."
Rivers wears No. 17 for the Chargers and Miami is the site of the Super Bowl.
Okung, 31, is a two-time Pro Bowler entering his 10th NFL season and third with the Chargers. He is one of their highest-paid players with a base salary of $13 million in 2019.
"Russell, he has it all figured out," center Mike Pouncey said. "He's been in the league for a long time. He's made a lot of money. He's had a lot of success throughout his career. Right now, we just want him to get as healthy as possible."
Okung will attend practices and meetings while awaiting medical clearance. Coach Anthony Lynn jokingly said of Okung, "Right now, he's an assistant coach."
In his absence, starting right tackle Sam Tevi has switched sides and Trent Scott has assumed Tevi's spot. Guards Michael Schofield and Forrest Lamp also have experience at tackle.
"Thankfully, as he said, he's getting the treatment," Rivers said. "He caught it soon enough. He seems to be in great spirits ... When he's healthy, which is most important, we'll get him back out here."
