Seattle Seahawks Russell Okung suffered a toe injury
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks star left tackle Russell Okung missed eight games this season with a torn plantar plate in his foot and ligament damage in his big toe, as he was placed on the short-term injured reserve following that injury in Week 2. Okung’s injury significantly hurt the stability of the Seahawks offensive line, as star quarterback Russell Wilson was running for his life more often than usual due to Okung’s injury. He’s an injury-prone player, but Okung is also one of the best tackles in the game and one of the most important players on the Seahawks.
That’s why the news that Okung suffered a toe injury in yesterday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals is significant, and it was apparent that the Seahawks pass protection was immediately worse without him. According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Terry Blount, he left the game in the second half with soreness in his big toe, and it is unclear how severe the injury is and if it’s related to the severe injury he suffered earlier this season.
The Seahawks have been hit with a number of significant injuries, and most of those injuries have been to offensive linemen. No injury has been bigger than the one Okung suffered earlier this season, so the Seahawks and Russell Wilson definitely can’t afford a sequel, especially with the playoffs drawing closer. Hopefully this is a non-issue, but worries won’t be dispelled until we hear confirmation that Okung will be fine going forward.