 |
| Tim Tebow could see time at running back, where injuries have left the Jets thin entering Sunday's game against the Patriots. (US Presswire) |
Jets QB Tim Tebow has gone from starting quarterback with the Broncos last year to the Jets' wildcat quarterback and personal protector on special teams this year.
Will he now become a running back?
In last Sunday's game against the Colts, Jets RBs Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight left the game with injuries. According to multiple reports, Powell has a separated shoulder and McKnight has a sprained ankle. Neither has practiced this week.
That leaves the Jets with starting RB Shonn Greene and RB Jonathan Grimes who has only been active for one game (against the Texans) and saw no action.
When questioned about whether Tebow would join him in the backfield, Greene jokingly responded, "Who? I never heard of him." He then added, "Whatever it takes for us to win. I'll see [what happens], just like you guys."
Coach Rex Ryan wouldn't be specific about the team's plans, but he didn't rule out the possibility that Tebow could become part of the running game.
"By playing quarterback, he knows all the positions," Ryan said.
Ryan also acknowledged:"His skill set would be more based on power."
Since Greene is also more of a power-based back, the Jets could be in a bind without a more speedy running back.
Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano wouldn't indicate one way or another whether Tebow would make an appearance at running back. Asked if he thought Tebow would make a good running back, Sparano paused, and then said diplomatically, "I think Tim Tebow would be good at whatever he wants to be good at."
It looks like everyone will have to wait until Sunday to find out the final decision.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.
