FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has returned to practice for the first time since spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Buffalo on Dec. 3.

Sanchez, wearing short sleeves Wednesday despite near-freezing temperatures, appeared unimpeded by the injury that sidelined him for New York’s 26-3 win at Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Coach Rex Ryan said earlier this week that he wanted to see how Sanchez came out of practice Wednesday before determining whether the rookie or backup Kellen Clemens would start Sunday at home against Atlanta.
Sanchez was injured during the Jets’ win over the Bills in Toronto, and spent last week rehabilitating at the team’s facility. He didn’t travel with the team to Tampa Bay.