Offensive tackle Russell Okung went through team drills with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday for the first time since his early preseason ankle injury, according to Curtis Crabtree. Okung has been doing individual drills at practice for two weeks now, and he is finally healthy enough to take the field again. He practiced with the second-team offensive line on Wednesday.
Okung injured his left ankle during the first series of the Seahawks' preseason opener against the San Diego Chargers three weeks ago. The second-year player, who struggled with knee issues last season and appeared in only 10 regular-season games, appears ready just ahead of the 2011 season and should start during the Seahawks' Sept. 11th season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
It remains to be seen whether or not Okung will play in Friday's final preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. Coach Pete Carroll stated earlier this week that Okung will likely sit out, but a few reps of preseason action could do the young tackle some good as he prepares to return to the line-up. On the flipside, though, Okung injured his ankle against the Chargers on just a handful of snaps and the Seahawks may want to avoid any injury risk altogether this close to the season.