With doctors giving Colts head coach Chuck Pagano clearance to return to his job, interim coach Bruce Arians was cautiously optimistic Friday that Pagano would be running the team on Monday for the first time since he was diagnosed with leukemia.

‘‘It’s still up in the air, but he feels pretty solid that he’s ready to go,’’ Arians said, reiterating the point he’s made all week — he’s eager to give the reins back to his longtime friend.