Wentz 'optimistic' he'll play in opener after return to practice

After returning to practice Monday following foot surgery in early August, Carson Wentz is confident he'll be able to play in his team's season opener Sept. 12.

"I'm optimistic, but we will see how it responds," said the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, according to Olivia Ray of WISH-TV.

He added: "It's going to be up to the doctors, for sure. At the end of the day, as long as there's nothing that I can do to injure myself or to make it worse ... I've played through a lot worse, but it's going to come down to what the doctors say."

Wentz's recovery timetable is 5-to-12 weeks. He returned to the practice field on a limited basis Monday for the first time in almost a month.

Carson Wentz's foot looks fine. #Colts pic.twitter.com/A3Rpipd6Z4

- Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) August 23, 2021

Head coach Frank Reich was happy with what he saw from Wentz.

"I'm probably a little bit surprised," Reich said. "It feels to me like we are maybe a week ahead of schedule."

The Colts acquired the 28-year-old from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Wentz, who led the league with 15 interceptions while compiling a 3-8-1 record as a starter last season, has earned one career Pro Bowl berth.

Sophomore Jacob Eason and sixth-round rookie Sam Ehlinger have split snaps through two preseason contests for the Colts. Reich has yet to tab one of them as Indy's starter if Wentz is sidelined.

The Colts also welcomed guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly back as limited practice participants Monday.

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