Seahawks OT Okung headed for IR, but will return
The Seattle Seahawks will place left tackle Russell Okung on the Injured Reserve-Designated to Return list with a torn ligament in his left big toe, the team confirmed Friday.
That designation means Okung, who was selected to the Pro Bowl last season, will be sidelined for at least eight games and cannot return until the Seahawks' Nov. 17 home game against Minnesota.
However, Okung is not out for the rest of the season, which had been the Seahawks' fear.
"It's a 6-8 week injury and we will hope that that will all work out right for us," coach Pete Carroll said, according to the Seattle Times. today. "He's kind of excited about the fact that he has a chance to get back this season as we are as well, so we will just ride it out, see what happens, take good care of him and hopefully be is able to make it."
Only one player per team can be placed on the IR-Designated to Return list each season.
Okung received what ESPN called "encouraging news" as a result of a visit to Dr. James Anderson to get a second opinion on his injury.
Paul McQuistan will replace Okung at left tackle. McQuistan will move from left guard.
Also, Seattle defensive end Chris Clemons and cornerback Brandon Browner are expected to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
Clemons has not played since tearing his ACL in the playoff win over Washington last season. Browner missed the first two games with a hamstring injury.
