New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow reportedly
wants out if he doesn't get a chance to play over the final two games of the
season.
Tebow, the backup for all but one game this year, was bypassed on the depth
chart by Greg McElroy, who will start this Sunday against San Diego after Mark
Sanchez was benched by Jets coach Rex Ryan.
According to the New York Daily News, Tebow will likely request a trade or ask
for his release if McElroy starts each of the final two games.
Ryan decided to bench Sanchez after Monday night's 14-10 loss to Tennessee
eliminated the Jets from postseason contention. Sanchez threw four
interceptions and fumbled away the final offensive snap in the disastrous
outing.
Tebow was acquired from Denver in one of the most hyped trades for a backup
quarterback in NFL history. It was thought he would give the Jets an added
dimension on offense, but has rarely been used.
The former Heisman Trophy winner has appeared in 11 games this season and has
completed 6-of-8 passes for a mere 39 yards while also rushing for 102 yards
on 32 carries.
Once Ryan decided to sit Sanchez, the choice of McElroy to make Sunday's start
was somewhat surprising. The Alabama product has been inactive for most of the
season and has appeared in just one game. He came off the bench in Week 13 and
threw a touchdown pass in a 7-6 win over Arizona.
Sanchez was back as the starter the following week and Tebow -- who had been
bothered by a rib injury -- returned to his backup duties, while McElroy was
again third string.
"I liked what I saw from Greg against Arizona," Ryan said when announcing his
starter on Tuesday. "I like what I see on the practice field."
Ryan, though, did not say whether McElroy would be the starter beyond this
week, meaning Tebow could still get an opportunity in the season-finale at
Buffalo.
The Sports Network