Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung plans what would be a timely return to action Sunday at Chicago, which would mark his 2019 season debut.
Okung, the anchor of an offensive line decimated by injuries, has not played this season. He has been sidelined since June after suffering a pulmonary embolism because of blood clots and was placed on the non-football injury list.
Okung won’t start but should be able to contribute at Chicago against a Bears’ defense with 18.0 sacks this season.
Head coach Anthony Lynn said Wednesday that Okung still must be officially moved to the active roster, adding that the Chargers plan to ease him back into game action.
“He won’t be able to play the whole game,” Lynn said. “Trent Scott will probably play the bulk of the reps like he’s been playing, but Russell will work his way back in, and he has to get his game reps in right now.
“We don’t know how much he’ll play, but he definitely will play some this week.”
Okung practiced twice last week, part of a two-week roster exemption to return to game shape.
While he was away, the Chargers have been crippled by injuries up front. Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey is out for the season because of a neck injury that required surgery, and guard Forrest Lamp broke his right ankle last week in Nashville against the Titans.
The Chargers have not been able to run the ball consistently, especially since Pouncey went down three weeks ago. Melvin Gordon is averaging just 2.3 yards per carry and quarterback Philip Rivers has been sacked 13 times.
“It will be great to have Russ back out there,” Rivers said. “I know he’s excited. Much like Pouncey, he brings more than just on the field. Just him being in the mix and in the huddle — the whole deal — will be a positive.”