Chargers OT Okung out after 'near death experience'

Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Russell Okung is sidelined indefinitely after what he labeled a near-death experience in June. Okung, responding to reports of his absence from training camp, said he experienced abnormal discomfort in his chest on June 1 and went to urgent care out of "an abundance of caution."

"According to the doctors who treat me, the decision to do so likely saved my life," Okung said in a written statement shared via Twitter on Thursday. "Thankfully, I'm (OK) now, but a few tests revealed that I suffered a pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots. When detected early, this condition is very treatable and I'm grateful to have access to the best available care as I continue on the path to full recovery. ... I hope to be back on the field as quickly as possible.

"While near-death type experiences are certainly a wake-up call, I'm feeling great physically. It's not an ankle or a shoulder. As soon as doctors clear me, my plans include blocking #17s (quarterback Philip Rivers) blind side all the way to Miami (site of the Super Bowl)." Okung does not have an agent but issued a statement in response to media reports he was dealing with a "pretty serious issue."

Okung was placed on the on active Non-Football Illness list, so he still counts on the 90-man roster during training camp. The two-time Pro Bowl selection is entering his third year with the Chargers after six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2010-15) and one with the Denver Broncos (2016).