Coach Pete Carroll thinks that offensive tackle Russell Okung's ankle injury isn't nearly as bad as it looks, according to Seattle Seawhawks reporter Curtis Crabtree. In fact, Carroll thinks that Okung might be ready for the season opener.
Okung, who was selected sixth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, has had a problem with injuries in his one-year tenure in the league. Last season, Okung missed six games with sprains to both ankles. Okung was impressive in the ten games that he played though, and he has demonstrated that he can be a solid offensive tackle when healthy.
That's exactly where the problem lies, however: Okung has had trouble staying healthy during his short NFL career. Last season, Okung injured himself in the first quarter of an exhibition game. This season, history seemingly repeated itself as Okung injured his ankle on Seattle's very first possession in Thursday's preseason opener against the San Diego Chargers. There was no contact on the play, but Okung was taken off the field.
Things may be different this year. Carroll seems to think that Okung's injury this time around isn't as bad as last year's injuries were. Let's hope that the coach is right: we'd all love to see just how good Okung can be.