East Rutherford, NJ

Tim Tebow was ready to play in New York's 49-19 loss to New England despite two fractured ribs suffered in Seattle two weeks ago.

The New York Jets' backup quarterback did not play either at quarterback or as punt protector at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night as starter Mark Sanchez struggled.

Third-string quarterback Greg McElroy was not on the active roster.

Tebow also took part in three offensive plays last weekend in St. Louis and has practiced fully despite the pain. He has been on the injury report.

Jets coach Rex Ryan Ryan noticed just a couple of days ago that Tebow was hurting was breathing a little differently.

Tebow said his ribs need rest to heal, but he isn't sure how long that will take. Last year in a playoff game against the Patriots, Tebow said he broke a rib but took the offseason to heal.

He said he wasn't sure when he suffered the injury against Seattle.

"(I) didn't really notice; I kept playing and started to feel it later," he said.

"All through the week (Tim) had practiced as the backup quarterback, and the thought did go through my mind to possibly deactivate him," Ryan said. "But when he came out here, he felt that if he had to go he could get it done, and that was my decision."

Asked about the Cardinals game on Dec. 2, Tebow said he expected to be ready to go whenever the Jets need him.

"I was ready to go if they needed me. I was not ideal," Tebow said, "but I wanted to be there for my teammates."

 

Jets Quarterback Tim Tebow Playing with Fractured Ribs

 

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