Carson Wentz Will Start vs. Colts After Being Medically Cleared from Knee Injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz was cleared for full contact Monday and will start in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Wentz, 25, suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 of last season. He has sat out the first two weeks this season despite looking strong in practice, with the Eagles taking a conservative long-term view rather than rushing him back.

Nick Foles, who led Philly to a Super Bowl victory in February, will return to his backup role. Foles threw for 451 yards and a touchdown against an interception in the Eagles' 1-1 start.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said he's confident Wentz is ready to go.

"Just watching him move around physically and some of the things he's done, he's ready," Pederson said. "He's ready to take the reins again and move forward."

Pederson seemed to indicate the team was always targeting Week 3 for Wentz's return. He said the quarterback "understood" and "embraced" the plan, which included limiting him to non-contact situations throughout training camp and the first two weeks of practices.

"There are no limitations," Pederson told reporters. "I'm not going to coach scared. I'm not going to coach paranoid."

Wentz threw for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions last season. He was on his way to perhaps winning the NFL MVP award before the injury, and the Eagles are in a better position to contend for another Super Bowl with Wentz back.

"He's a guy that will be totally prepared. He comes in early, studies the tape," Pederson said. "He's going to be prepared mentally. Now it's just about the physical part taking over."

While Foles had a hot streak that led to the Eagles' first Super Bowl title, his regular-season performances categorize him as an average starter. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Eagles began putting out trade feelers for Foles should Wentz perform at a high level.