The deadline for NFL players to opt out of the year due to Covid-19 concerns was Thursday, August 6th at 4pm. But that doesn’t mean players, who are still unsure, won’t find other ways to forego the season.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, offensive lineman Russell Okung, one of the Panthers biggest offseason acquisitions, is considering retirement.
“Carolina Panthers left tackle Russell Okung, who missed 10 games last year with a pulmonary embolism due to blood clots, is evaluating whether to retire over coronavirus concerns, a source told ESPN on Friday.“
“Okung, who seriously considered opting out at Thursday’s deadline, is comfortable walking away from the game if he feels the football environment is not safe, the source said.“
Okung is slated to be the anchor of an offensive line that has been a weak spot of a Panthers offense filled with weapons. The former 2010 first round draft pick last played a full season for the Chargers in 2018.
