Jim Irsay says Colts' Carson Wentz will return only when '100 percent'

Those within the Indianapolis Colts are still holding onto hope that starting quarterback Carson Wentz will be recovered from foot surgery enough to play in the regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12. 

With 2020 fourth-round draft pick Jacob Eason and 2021 sixth-round draft selection Sam Ehlinger currently receiving snaps with the first-team offense in practices, Colts owner Jim Irsay made it clear on Thursday his coaching staff won't be rushing Wentz back ahead of schedule. 

"I told him, 'I want you at 100 percent,'" Irsay said, per Mike Wells of ESPN. "We want to see him healthy in two months, in two years, four years." 

Wentz was originally set to be sidelined anywhere between five and 12 weeks following his surgery, but an updated timeline for his return should come before Indianapolis closes the preseason on Aug. 27. While the plan currently is for Eason or Ehlinger to start in Wentz's absence, Indianapolis continues to be linked with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew and Chicago Bears signal-caller and former Wentz backup Nick Foles in trade rumors.