Chargers' Okung set for return following pulmonary embolism

Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Russell Okung announced Thursday that he will return to the field "as early as Week 7" after missing the first six games of the season due to a pulmonary embolism he suffered in June.

Oh happy day! pic.twitter.com/5j79ROagQu

- The Best Has Yet To Come! ^3 (@RussellOkung) October 17, 2019

The team said Okung, who was placed on the non-football illness list in July, will participate in practice on Thursday.

The 2-4 Chargers, who sit at the bottom of the AFC West, are slated to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Week 7.

Second-year offensive tackle Trent Scott has struggled to replace Okung. He's allowed three sacks and 15 hurries through six weeks, according to Pro Football Focus.

While the loss of Okung hasn't severely impacted Philip Rivers' protection (the quarterback has been sacked 12 times, which ranks 15th in the league), the Chargers' rushing attack has been ineffective without their top offensive lineman. The AFC West club ranks 27th in rushing yards per game.

Okung started 30 out of 32 games during his first two years in L.A. In 2018, he was graded as PFF's 13th-ranked offensive tackle.

While Okung will boost the Chargers' offense, the unit is losing wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

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