Florham Park, NJ

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said he could play backup quarterback Tim Tebow as running back when they face the New England Patriots Sunday.

"That's a possibility," Ryan said during a press conference. "The thing about Tim, with him being a football player like we've always talked about, by playing quarterback he knows all the positions and so, can you plug him in at running back? Can you plug him in at tight end, whatever? I think the answer is yes."

Ryan's running back options are thin due to injuries to reserve rushers Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight, who did not practice for the second straight day. Powell injured his shoulder while McKnight hurt his ankle in Sunday's win over the Colts.

Tebow has 64 rushing yards this season but almost all came from a Wildcat formation after a direct snap.

"I would be ready for whatever I would be asked to do, absolutely," said Tebow, who has gained muscle mass over the offseason to help block in his new role with the punt-protection team.

"(Tebow is) not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs, but he's got power," Ryan said.

According to sources, the Jets did not sign a running back despite being thin at the position due to Tebow's ability to play as one.

The Jets have brought in quarterback Kevin O'Connell for a visit and physical Tuesday, further fueling speculation that Tebow will be used in a non-quarterback role.

Shonn Greene, the team's starting running back, had 161 rushing yards against the Colts Sunday, a career high in his fourth season with the Jets.

 

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