Any mystery surrounding Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung’s health was put to rest Thursday. Okung announced on social media that he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, the result of blood clots.
According to Okung, the doctors that discovered the embolism “saved his life.”
“When detected early, this condition is very treatable and I’m grateful to have access to the best available care as I continue on the path to recovery,” Okung said in his statement. “Thanks to an incredible medical team and a very supportive family, I hope to be back on the field as quickly as possible. While near-death experiences are certainly a wake-up call, I’m feeling great physically. It’s not an ankle or shoulder. As soon as doctors clear me, my plans include blocking #17’s (Philip Rivers’) blind side all the way to Miami (the Super Bowl).”
Statement on Reported Injury Status pic.twitter.com/MjV52jqESL
— OKUNG 🐆 (@RussellOkung) July 25, 2019
Okung was a first round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2010 NFL Draft, going No. 6 overall. He spent seven seasons in Seattle and the last two with the Chargers, making the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2017.
We here at GetMoreSports join the rest of the sports world in wishing Okung a speedy recovery.
J.J. Watt and Will Fuller back on the field for Texans
All-Universe defensive lineman J.J. Watt’s stay on the physically unable to perform list didn’t last long. Watt was back on the practice field Thursday and was joined by wide receiver Will Fuller, whose 2018 season was cut short with a torn ACL.
#Texans camp no. 11 for me.
JJ Watt, Will Fuller out on the field today in helmets w/rest of team. pic.twitter.com/z7v5mySqVc— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) July 25, 2019
The only bad news on the day for Houston was that DeAndre Hopkins remains on the PUP list, but isn’t expected to stay there.
Watt played in all 16 games last season for the Texans, recording 61 tackles, 18 for a loss, a league-leading seven forced fumbles, four passes defended and 16 sacks.
Before he went down, Fuller started seven games for Houston, catching 32 passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns. He was on pace for a 73-catch, 1,150-yard, nine touchdown campaign before tearing up his knee.
