Panthers' Heinicke returns after leaving with elbow injury

Carolina Panthers quarterback Taylor Heinicke returned to Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons after leaving for a short time at the start of the second quarter due to a left elbow injury.

After being replaced under center by rookie Kyle Allen, the Panthers' only other quarterback with Cam Newton inactive for Week 16, Heinicke reentered the game with a brace on his left arm.

The 25-year-old started the game, his fifth appearance of the season, by completing nine of 13 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown on the game-opening drive before his departure. He added 14 yards on the ground.

Allen, 22, had never previously appeared in an NFL game.