Yeah. IR with return designation allows you to practice after 6 weeks. You can play in a game after 8. The next game on current schedule counts as first game.
Okung was not eligable for PUP.
If fully IR'd he would be out for the year. Only upside is we would be allowed an extra person on the 53 man roster.
With no designation we would need to reserve an extra spot on the 53 man roster. Only upside his he would be a guaranteed scratch on game day and we could fill his spot with anyone on the game day active 46-player roster.
This way, he's out for 8 games. We are allowed to fill is 53 man roster spot with anyone. Gives many people on the roster an 8 game resume to help decide who would be required to cut when Irvin, Harvin and Okung return over the next 2-8 weeks.