Chris Ivory says he's ready to return but status still unclear

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars running back Chris Ivory said he's ready to return to the field now that he has recovered from a medical issue that sent him to the hospital for two days. It's unclear, however, when that will happen.

Ivory was at the team facility on Thursday morning for the first time since last week and released the following statement through the team in which he said he was thankful for the support he received from the Jaguars and fans:

"I returned to the stadium this morning to rejoin my coaches and teammates as we continue to prepare for the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. This past weekend was a challenging time for my family and me because of an emergency medical condition that developed while I was with my team at the hotel. I am now grateful to be back in the facility and able to refocus on the game that I love. I want to extend a special thanks to the Jaguars medical staff, the first responders and everyone at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville for their assistance over the past couple of days.

"I appreciate everyone's sensitivity during this personal matter, and I'm ready to be back out on the field and look forward to doing so in the near future. Thank you for all for your support. I want you to know that I read each and every message and I'm thankful for them all."

Later Tuesday, Ivory didn't want to get into specifics of his injury when he was asked questions by reporters.

"I'd rather not speak about specifics. It was something that needed attention and I went in in pain and I got the problem fixed," he said.

He did say, however, that he doesn't believe the medical issue will return.

"Like I said, there's no more issues," he said. "I'm ready to go. Did a little cardio today and now it's just day-by-day."

Ivory was hospitalized early Sunday morning -- hours before the team's season opener against the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Field -- for what the team called a general medical condition. He was released on Tuesday.

Ivory did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, which makes it unlikely that he'll be able to play in Sunday's game at San Diego.

Asked when he thought he'd be able to return, Ivory said, "I'm looking to be back soon."

The Jaguars signed Ivory to a five-year, $32 million contract in March. He has rushed for 4,031 yards and 24 touchdowns in six seasons with the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets.