WESTFIELD (Ind.) WESTFIELD, Ind. -- Colts owner Jim Irsay stated Thursday that he told quarterback Carson Wentz he doesn't want him to return until he is 100% healthy after his left foot surgery.Irsay stated that he knows he is a great competitor and wants to support his team. He has to be there for his team by returning when he is ready. We want him to stay healthy for as many months, two years, and four years as possible and do the same things the Hall of Fame players did. They are there to keep the ball on the field, and Carson does all he can to make sure that it happens.Wentz, who had only played one full season in his first five NFL seasons, was injured when he tried to throw on the second day. The injury was first sustained in high school. However, he never had another issue until July 29. Wentz underwent surgery on August 2.Irsay's remarks came one day after ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on Wentz's recovery. Quenton Nelson, an All-Pro left-guard, also had the same surgery.On Tuesday, both players returned to practice as spectators. While Wentz was not wearing a walking boot on Wentz's foot during practice, Nelson did have one on Thursday during the joint practice against Carolina Panthers. Nelson, who underwent surgery Aug. 3, played in all 48 games his first three seasons in the NFL. Frank Reich, coach of the NFL, said that Nelson was born with the foot problem.When the Colts announced that Nelson and Wentz were undergoing surgery, they gave an estimate of their recovery times. It is important that the team has a better understanding of their recovery times between two and four week after the surgery.Irsay stated that the Colts will likely choose to start Week 1 with either rookie Sam Ehlinger or Jacob Eason, their second-year quarterback. If Wentz isn't ready to return, Irsay suggested that a quarterback from the outside would be an option. Eason, Ehlinger currently split snaps with the first team during practice.Irsay stated that although I would say we want to continue in the same direction, I know Frank (general manager), Chris (Ballard), and will continue to talk about it. We'll see what happens." "But right now, I believe there's a good chance that we go that way. But that could change."
