(FNS) Carson Wentz is not starting on Thursday because he has not received medical clearance, coach Doug Pederson explained Tuesday, Sept. 4. There was not much of a decision to be made between Wentz and Nick Foles because Wentz is not yet allowed to play.

“It’s still a medical issue,” Pederson said. “As of right now, me standing here, he is not [cleared].”

Pederson said he made the final determination on the starting quarterback on Monday. He did not say when Wentz would return, but said Wentz is “close.”

“Obviously, I’m not going to the whys, and therefore, and what went into this, what went into that,” Pederson said. “Been in conversation with Carson and Nick this entire time dating all the way back to the spring. I made the decision yesterday and both guys have embraced and we’re getting focused and ready for Thursday night.”

Pederson explained that his ire during a Sunday news conference was because he had not yet informed Wentz of the final decision. He did not want Wentz to find out through the media.

The decision was not made at the time,” Pederson said. “I still wanted to hear from my medical team, I wanted to see exactly where Carson was at. If I came off a little abrasive, that’s part of the reason.”

Pederson said Wentz is “probably disappointed” because he’s an athlete and wanted to play, but the coach gave the impression that the former North Dakota State star has been kept in the loop throughout the entire offseason and that Wentz “is in a great spot.” So Foles will start and Wentz will continue getting healthier, waiting for the go-ahead from the medical staff.

“Obviously, more rest and more time off heals the wounds, but listen, you’ve got to understand, Carson’s been out there, he’s been in 11-on-11 drills in training camp and this week,” Pederson said. “We’re just waiting [on] just getting the clearance.”

See more on Eagles at philly.com.