Jaguars' Ivory 'grateful' to return after 'personal matter'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory returned to the facility Thursday, two days after being released from the hospital.

His return to the field likely will happen next week.

Ivory met with coaches and trainers, and even got in a brief workout during his first day back in nearly a week.

But he's a long shot to practice Friday or make the trip to San Diego, where the Jaguars (0-1) play Sunday.

''It feels good to be back,'' Ivory said. ''I'm just ready to get back going. ... There's no more issues. I'm ready to go. Did a little cardio today and now it's just day by day.''

Ivory was hospitalized Sunday with a ''general medical issue'' and missed the season opener against Green Bay. He was released Tuesday.

He declined to reveal specifics about the issue, saying ''it was something that needed attention and I went in in pain and I got the problem fixed.''

The Jaguars welcomed him back to the facility.

''It's great,'' coach Gus Bradley said. ''I had a chance to visit with him. I think at this stage right now, he just wants to move forward. He's like, `Hey, I'm back with the team and meeting with the trainers and stuff.' He's always had that mindset to focus on today and what do I need to do and just wants to move on. Just thankful that it all worked out.''

The Jaguars plan to ease Ivory back into practice, making it unlikely that he will play against the Chargers (0-1).

''I think it'd be really challenging for him,'' Bradley said. ''We'll see, but I just think that the arrow will be down.''

Without Ivory, a 1,000-yard rusher with the New York Jets last season, the Jaguars averaged 1.8 yards a carry against the Packers. Second-year pro T.J. Yeldon is expected to get the majority of the work in the run game.

''I would have loved to been out there, to contribute and help the team win,'' Ivory said.

''I thought we played really strong, but all we can do now is move forward and get ready for the next game and just carry over from what we did this past game. ... I'm not going to put a time on it, but when the time comes, I'll be ready to go.''

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