Quarterback Carson Wentz 'optimistic' after return to Indianapolis Colts practice Monday

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was a full participant in the team's 7-on-7 work at Monday's practice. He is not participating in the 11-on-11 practice.

"I'm optimistic but we'll see how it responds," Wentz said after practice. "As long as there's nothing I can do to make it worse, I've played through a lot worse."

Wentz had surgery to remove a piece of bone from his foot on Aug. 2 after two days of practice and was expected to miss between five and 12 weeks. Monday appeared to be a positive step toward the short end of that timetable.

Last week, Reich said he'd like Wentz to get two weeks of practice in before playing a game but that he could play with a single week. With three weeks to go before Week 1, Reich should get his wish if there are no setbacks.

Wentz's return to full practice participation and game-readiness will hinge on how his foot responds to increased activity in the coming weeks. So far, he hasn't suffered any setbacks in his recovery. 

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Contact IndyStar Deputy Sports Editor Nat Newell at (317) 444-6182 or nat.newell@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @NatJNewell.