Irsay: Colts won't rush Wentz back, QB trade unlikely

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay doesn't want to rush Carson Wentz's recovery following foot surgery, but he knows how he wants his quarterback to look once Wentz returns to the field.

"I told him, 'I want you at 100%,'" Irsay said, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic, adding, "We want to see him healthy in two months, in two years, four years. ... You just want to see him ready when he comes back. If it's Seattle, so be it."

The Colts open their 2021 season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12, but Indianapolis doesn't know if Wentz will be under center in Week 1. The 28-year-old, who joined the team via a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, underwent foot surgery in early August, and his initial return timetable was five-to-12 weeks.

Wentz is reportedly trending toward being available in Week 1.

Soon after Wentz's injury, the Colts were linked to several veteran signal-callers as potential trade targets. Although Irsay isn't ruling out any options, he said it's more likely that Indianapolis will call on one of its current passers - Jacob Eason or rookie Sam Ehlinger - if Wentz misses time.

"I have a comfort level," Irsay said of his quarterback situation. "That's why (head coach) Frank (Reich) is there. No one knows better than him."

He added, "I think right now there's probably a good chance we go (with the young QBs). ... But we always keep our options open."

Eason and Ehlinger split first-team snaps this week at practice, but the former is expected to start the Colts' preseason game versus the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.