The Associated Press

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Chad Pennington will make his return to the New York Jets Sunday, although not as the starter.

Coach Herman Edwards said Monday that Vinny Testaverde will start at quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Pennington will enter the game off the bench. Pennington, slated to be the starter this season, has missed the whole year after breaking his left wrist Aug. 23 in a preseason game against the New York Giants.

Edwards said he wants to get Testaverde in the flow of the game before putting Pennington in. He made the decision to start Testaverde because he does not know whether Pennington is in condition to play four quarters.

"Obviously can he make it through a whole game?" Edwards said. "I don't know that. When he falls down on this hand is that going to be a stinger? I don't know that, no one knows that. When you put Vinny in the game, he gets a feel early. Those are the things I thought about when I made the decision."

Edwards said Pennington will start Nov. 2 against the Giants.

"This is not musical chairs," Edwards said. "There is not going to be a quarterback controversy."

Edwards said he wrestled with the decision all last week and talked with Pennington about what he wanted to do Saturday night. He also discussed the decision with Testaverde, and both are fine with it.

"I think it's a really good plan," Pennington said. "It's the epitome of being a team player, and it's the epitome of my relationship with Vinny and how we are a tandem and how we work with each other.

"I feel totally comfortable with it. It's up to me as a professional to make sure I'm ready to play when my number is called. There can't be any excuses."

Testaverde has played well in the last two games, helping the Jets come back from an 0-4 hole. In six games, the 39-year-old Testaverde is 116-of-187 for 1,273 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.

COLTS: After practicing Monday, Edgerrin James said he expects to play in Sunday's game against Houston - even if his back isn't 100 percent.

Ricky Williams is expected to miss Sunday's game with a sprained left ankle. James Mungro also is expected to be out Sunday.

SEAHAWKS: Reserve tight end Ryan Hannam needs surgery and will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee.

GIANTS: Guard Rich Seubert will be sidelined seven to eight months with three broken bones in his right leg.

REDSKINS: Running back Ladell Betts has a broken left forearm and "could be out a couple of weeks," according to coach Steve Spurrier.

DOLPHINS: Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler has a sprained ligament in his left knee. The timetable for his return remains undetermined.

PACKERS: Brett Favre has a hairline fracture in his right thumb and will use the bye week to let it heal. Coach Mike Sherman expects Favre to extend his NFL quarterbacks record 197-game starting streak after the bye week.

RAMS: Marshall Faulk will practice this week for the St. Louis Rams, although he's not likely to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.

EAGLES: Guard Jermane Mayberry isn't expected to play against the New York Jets on Sunday because of a strained elbow.