Update (4:11 p.m. ET): Pete Carroll confirmed to reporters on Friday that Okung will head to the short-term injured reserve as his injury is expected to take 6-8 weeks to heal. He will be eligible to return after eight weeks.
Russell Okung injury: Seahawks LT headed for short-term IR
Russell Okung is headed to short-term injured reserve, leaving the Seahawks scrambling for someone to protect Russell Wilson’s blind side.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Okung appears to be headed to injured reserve, but will likely be designated for return by the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Okung suffered a torn ligament in his toe during Seattle's blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but after seeking a second opinion from Dr. Robert Anderson it appears that the injury is not as bad as initially feared.
By being placed on short-term IR, Okung would be eligible to return to practice for the Seahawks in six weeks, and return to the play in eight weeks. If Okung returns as soon as possible, he will play next on Nov. 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. Until then, the Seahawks can use Okung's roster spot to pick up a player off free agency for depth, or sign a player off the practice squad.
When Okung left Sunday's game, left guard Paul McQuistan slid over to left tackle, and James Carpenter took over McQuistan's spot in the interior. However, the lineup struggled to contain outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who had seven tackles and two sacks in the loss. Alvin Bailey is currently listed as Okung's immediate backup, but the undrafted rookie out of Arkansas was marked inactive last Sunday, and may not be ready to play an extensive role.
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