Russell Okung To Return To Practice

A Chargers team again ransacked by injuries received a boost Thursday. After missing the first six games of the season due to a blood clot issue, Russell Okung returned to practice. The veteran left tackle also agreed to an adjusted contract, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).

The revised deal will allow the 10th-year blocker to earn all of his $13MM salary this season. His salary would have been reduced otherwise, due to his stay on the Bolts’ NFI list. The Chargers have 21 days to determine if Okung will return to game action this season. If Okung remains on Los Angeles’ NFI list by that point, he will revert to season-ending IR.

Okung, who has hired agent J.I. Hatsell after years of going without representation, reached an agreement with the Chargers to see all of his $13MM (per Rapoport, on Twitter). A portion of Okung’s 2019 salary would not previously have been available under the previous circumstances.

This will provide a boost for the Chargers, who have endured frequent trouble up front this season. Mike Pouncey is now out for the year, joining many key unavailable Bolts.

Los Angeles had been using UDFA Trent Scott at left tackle. Scott suffered an injury as well. While it’s not certain Okung will be back in uniform Sunday, Thursday’s development is obviously good news for the 2-4 Bolts.

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