Grateful Chargers tackle Russell Okung returns…
Grateful Chargers tackle Russell Okung returns to practice
Pro Bowl left tackle says he 'definitely looked death right in the face'
Tackle Russell Okung, seen during Chargers first training camp last year at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, has missed the first six games this season because of a pulmonary embolism suffered in June. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
By Gilbert Manzano | gmanzano@scng.com |
PUBLISHED: October 17, 2019 at 11:41 am | UPDATED: October 17, 2019 at 4:27 pm
COSTA MESA — Russell Okung initially avoided the conversations that athletes tend to loathe, but his loved ones pressed him.
He eventually listened, and it likely saved his life. Those difficult conversations have been ongoing the past four and a half months. Okung was at peace with not playing football again, but the Chargers' left tackle hoped for a return.
Okung's return came Thursday when he joined his teammates on the practice field for the first time this season. Okung missed the first six games because of a pulmonary embolism he suffered in June.
"I've always been an optimist, but family is a priority," Okung said. "Today is a combination of hard conversations with my family and my loved ones.
"Any time you reach a situation where you face mortality, it gives you a lot of perspective, and I'm so grateful to be alive, and to be back out here with my teammates. I missed these guys a lot."
With Okung's practice return, the Chargers now have 21 days to decide whether to place their two-time Pro Bowl left tackle on the 53-man roster or keep him on the non-football injury list to end his 2019 season.
Players gleamed with joy in the locker room, and shouted "Welcome back, Russ," as a horde of reporters surrounded Okung. It was a lively mood for a team in desperate need of a spark after a mountain of injuries contributed to a disappointing 2-4 start to the season.
But in the moments Okung wasn't acknowledging his teammates, he spoke in a serious tone.
"I definitely looked death right in the face, and had it not been for a family who cared about my well being and took the extra steps to make sure that I got checked on, despite my own resistance to them, I may not be here right now," Okung said.
Russell Okung: "I definitely looked death right in the face." #Chargers pic.twitter.com/kakYV6iMWw
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) October 17, 2019
Okung felt shortness of breath on June 1, but he ignored the pain because he was preparing for mandatory minicamp. He missed it along with training camp and the preseason.
Okung revealed his near-death type experience before the start of training camp. He said the pulmonary embolism was caused by blood clots and it was treatable because he received medical attention early enough.
The Chargers were concerned with Okung's health, but they had to move forward on the football field. They placed Okung on the non-football injury list not knowing if he'll be available to play this season.
Trent Scott replaced Okung as the starting left tackle.
"It's big time to have one of our staples, one of our leaders back," Scott said. "His health is what was most important to us. Making sure he got back healthy. Just seeing him back, he loves this game. He's been working hard to get back. Good to see everything worked out for him."
Scott doesn't know if he'll be the starter Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, but he's preparing like he is, just like he has the past four and a half months.
Scott was supposed to be the Chargers' swing tackle, a player who can play on either side in case of emergency. But Scott, a 2018 undrafted player out of Grambling State, envisioned himself as a starting offensive tackle. He now has the experience, and is grateful for Okung's guidance.
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"It was big time because he didn't have to do that," Scott said about Okung. "He had his own thing going on, but he did take the time to help me, and it came a long way with me progressing and getting better every week."
Scott had his struggles at times, but Okung commended his play the past six weeks, and predicted that Scott will "make millions in this league" as a quality offensive tackle.
Okung spent most of his time off with his newborn son, but once again, he listened to a family member.
"Sitting at home with my baby boy, even at three and a half months old, he's like, 'I don't know what daddy is doing, but daddy, it's time to get back to work.'"
Back to work Okung went.
TRAVIS BENJAMIN GOES TO IR
Wide receiver Travis Benjamin was placed on injured reserve Thursday. In a corresponding move, the Chargers brought back defensive tackle T.Y. McGill, who played five games for the Chargers last season and was cut before the start of this season.
Benjamin injured his quad in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. He'll be sidelined for at least the next eight weeks.
It's been a lost season for Benjamin, who entered as the Chargers' No. 3 wideout. He only had six catches for 30 yards in the five games he played.
With Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman both on injured reserve, the Chargers will now lean on Jason Moore and Andre Patton, two wide receivers who stood out during training camp. Moore had his first two career catches for 43 yards against the Steelers.
McGill is back with the Chargers after injuries to defensive tackles Justin Jones (shoulder) and Brandon Mebane (knee). Neither player practiced on Thursday.
Kicker Michael Badgley returned to practice as a full participant Thursday. He hasn't played this season because of a groin injury.
Oh happy day! pic.twitter.com/5j79ROagQu
— The Best Has Yet To Come! 🇳🇬 (@RussellOkung) October 17, 2019
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Gilbert Manzano
Gilbert Manzano grew up reading the Pasadena Star-News, and now he's the Chargers beat writer for the Southern California News Group. Manzano moved back to Pasadena after working three years for the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a Raiders and boxing reporter. The Cal State Northridge graduate spent two seasons as a breaking news editor for NFL.com. The Spanish-speaking lefty likes to go on runs with his dog, Cam.
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