Tebow will not play in Jets' preseason finale
New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow will not play in the team's exhibition finale at the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday.
ESPN.com reported Saturday that Jets coach Rex Ryan does not play starters in the final games of the preseason, meaning Mark Sanchez will not play, either. That leaves Greg McElroy and Matt Simms at quarterback against the Eagles.
The Jets will only have three days' rest between their third and fourth exhibition games as they will take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Tebow is scheduled to play in the fourth quarter. Sanchez will play the first three quarters.
Tebow has completed only 9 of 22 passes for 96 yards, with one interception in 3 1/2 quarters of exhibition play. He has been sacked four times. He also has rushed six times for 39 yards, second-most on the team. In all, he has played 10 possessions totaling 51 plays. Both scoring drives he led resulted in field goals.
When asked about his smaller role, Tebow said, "No, it's not difficult. You just know your role and you try to do it the best you can. When you get opportunities, you make the most of them."
Tebow will be used in a Wildcat-like package even though the Jets have not run any Wildcat plays in exhibition games and do not plan to on Sunday.
The Jets open the regular season Sept. 9 against the Buffalo Bills.
