Nick Foles

Philadelphia Eagles' Nick Foles warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

(Michael Perez)

PHILADELPHIA — For the first time since breaking his clavicle against the Houston Texans in Week 9, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles donned a helmet and appeared to be a participant in practice Wednesday.

Foles, who was not cleared to return after a followup with the doctor earlier this week, has been sidelined since the injury but also spent time throwing on the side during practice. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly didn't rule out that the third-year quarterback would return to action at some point this season.

"No," Kelly said Wednesday when asked if the team ever considered sending Foles to injured reserve, effectively ending his season. "Because we didn't know until yesterday where his status was. We were hoping we would get him back. It's never been a discussion with us."

Kelly said earlier in the week that Foles would not be cleared to return to game action until he was cleared to take contact, which has not yet happen because the bone has not completely healed.

It is unclear just how much work Foles was able to get in on Wednesday, but the fact that he was wearing a helmet and out there working during individual drills with the other quarterbacks for the first time is an obvious step forward in his recovery.

With only two games remaining in the regular season, Saturday against the Washington Redskins and Week 17 against the New York Giants before a possible playoff run, it is telling that Kelly has not slammed the door on Foles returning to action, even after being sidelined for six games.

In Foles' absence, Mark Sanchez has led the Eagles to a 3-3 record while throwing 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

"Yeah," Kelly said when asked if he is still holding out hope the quarterback will return. "If he can get cleared to play. But I'm not a doctor. We've never had any discussions with Nick that we had potential to move him to IR."

With only two games remaining and no definitive timetable for another followup, Foles' status remains up in the air but he appears to be closer than ever to a return. If the Eagles season can last long enough to make that possible this year.

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Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter@MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook