Carolina Panthers: 4 evolving storylines at training camp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers No. 3: Russell Okung’s future
Although Russell Okung has gone back on the original story regarding the veteran contemplating retirement. It is hard to deny that this has the potential to become a real concern if things start trending in the wrong direction.
Okung has suffered some health problems in recent months. A pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots forced him to miss ten games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. And it is evident that there is a definite health worry for the Pro Bowler in the current climate.
No player should be thought of differently for putting their wellbeing before football. Christian Miller and Jordan Mack have already done the same by opting out of the upcoming campaign.
Losing Okung at any stage would be a supreme blow for the Carolina Panthers. They are relying on the Super Bowl winner to provide protection for Teddy Bridgewater’s blindside. And the likes of Greg Little and Dennis Daley are clearly not ready to take on such a role if their rookie efforts are any indication.
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The player might have put minds at ease in Carolina with his initial commitment. But Okung has made $95.48 million during his career. So this would be the last thing on his mind when coming to a decision.
If he feels that an ever-changing situation might be detrimental for his long-term health, then the lineman will not hesitate to walk away. And while this might not be something too worrying at the present time, it is a storyline worth keeping a close eye on.