Tebow Will Be Active For Jets But Likely Won't Run Wildcat
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Tim Tebow's days of running the New York Jets' wildcat-style offense appear over for now.
Rex Ryan says Thursday that the backup quarterback will be active Monday night at Tennessee, but will likely not run the wildcat or participate as the punt protector on special teams. Tebow has not played in the Jets' last three games while dealing with two broken ribs, sustained Nov. 11 at Seattle.
"I think he's improving, I just don't think improving to where you're going to run the power and the counters," Ryan said.
Ryan says Tebow has been medically cleared to play the last few weeks, but the coach has chosen to keep Tebow on the sideline rather than risk further injury. Ryan adds that it's possible third-stringer Greg McElroy, who led the Jets to a comeback win over Arizona two weeks ago, could also be active but Tebow is still the No. 2 quarterback.
If Tebow should enter the game for Sanchez, then Tebow would run the same offense as Sanchez, Ryan said on Thursday.
Ryan said Tebow has not experienced any setbacks with his injury, and there isn't any cartilage damage or further complications.
"I'm more comfortable with him playing now, obviously, than I was a few weeks ago," Ryan said. "I feel better about him playing with the way he's worked out on the practice field, we've increased his reps, and the day before the (Jaguars) game, he was throwing it pretty good."
Tebow was expected to be a major part of the offense after being acquired from Denver in March, but he has had little more than a minor role in New York. Ryan clarified his comments from Monday when, during a radio interview, he said he would think Tebow is disappointed with his situation with the Jets.
"As far as his particular role, the wildcat and all those type of things, we haven't run it that much and obviously with the two broken ribs or cracked ribs, that's something that's got to be disappointing because you're not going to do that," Ryan said. "That's how I feel. As a competitor, you want to win a ton of games, want to win all your games but we're 6-7, so I think that's disappointing for all of us. With his role, having the ribs these last few weeks, obviously his role has been diminished some. I don't think he's happy about that."
Ryan quickly added that he believes Tebow is still happy to be a member of the Jets.
"I think he likes his teammates," Ryan said. "I think he likes the people in the building and the way we take care of our players. You'll have to ask him, but I'm pretty sure he's happy with that."
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
