Updated

Denny Hamlin has received medical clearance to return this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

Hamlin has missed four races after sustaining a compression fracture of a vertebra in his lower back in a last-lap accident at California on March 24.

Joe Gibbs Racing said Thursday that exact plans will be determined at the track. Hamlin could start the No. 11 Toyota, then give way to a relief driver.