Ryan says Tebow still up for wildcat
Jets coach insists his backup QB would have run offense.
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan acknowledged Monday that QB Tim Tebow wasn’t happy when he chose Greg McElroy to start for the benched Mark Sanchez, but insisted Tebow was willing to play in any role Sunday against San Diego — including the wildcat.
“He was disappointed that he was not named the starter,” Ryan said Monday. “But I’ll say this: I believe if Tim’s number was called, he would’ve went in and played. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”
Reports out of New York last week said that Tebow asked out of his wildcat offense duties after hearing that McElroy, the thirdstringer, would get his first NFL start over Tebow, listed as the No. 2 quarterback. It also was reported that wildcat plays involving Jeremy Kerley instead of Tebow were added before practice on Wednesday.
Bears: Chicago needs an assist from its biggest rival to make the playoffs. The Bears (9-6) need to win at Detroit on Sunday and hope the Packers beat or tie the Vikings later in the day.
Bengals: Cincinnati (96) is locked in as the AFC’s sixth seed, so it will be on the road for every game in the playoffs.
Eagles: Rookie QB Nick Foles broke his right hand in Sunday’s loss to Washington. Coach Andy Reid said Michael Vick will likely start against the Giants in Sunday’s season finale.
49ers: The only way the 49ers (10-4-1) can secure a No. 2 playoff seed — and the first-round bye — is a win against the Cardinals on Sunday coupled with a Green Bay loss at Minnesota. And they will have to do it without tight end Vernon Davis (concussion) and wide receiver Mario Manningham (left knee).
Giants: To make the playoffs, the Giants (8-7) have to beat Philadelphia, have Minnesota (9-6) and Chicago (9-6) both lose and Dallas (8-7) tie or lose to Washington.
Ravens: No matter what happens in Sunday’s finale against Cincinnati, Baltimore will host a firstround playoff game on Jan. 5 or 6.
Steelers: Tight end Heath Miller sustained multiple torn ligaments in his right knee in Sunday’s loss to the Bengals and faces surgery. Typical recovery time could extend well into next season’s training camp.