Tim Tebow’s broken ribs meant the back-up quarterback remained sidelined throughout the New York Jets’ 49-19 loss to New England on Thursday night.
Speaking after the game, Tebow revealed he broke two ribs in the loss at Seattle a fortnight ago. “They need a little time to get better,” revealed the Jets star, who said he has found breathing more difficult since the injury occurred.
On Thursday night, fans chanted Tebow’s name throughout, but only an emergency situation would have seen the quarterback take to the field for a snap.
While Tebow’s broken ribs meant the player was listed as “questionable” for the New England game, coach Rex Ryan had reluctantly agreed to use Tebow “if we absolutely had to have him.” Third-stringer Greg McElroy remained inactive.
Talking to press after the game, Tebow said he had been determined to help if possible:
“I appreciate [Rex’s] concern. I had to do a little bit of talking just to dress, but I just want to be there for my teammates in case they needed me in an emergency situation.”
Instead, Tebow’s broken ribs meant the player only stood on the sidelines, hands in pockets and his cap pulled over his eyes. Tebow said he wasn’t sure when the rib injury was inflicted but suspected it occurred on an offensive play against the Seahawks:
“I didn’t really know. I just kept playing and started to feel it later on.”
Coach Rex Ryan, who said the injury had become “progressively worse” over the last week, told reporters he admired Tebow’s determination to help his fellow Jets:
“I was standing there and I was like, ‘I’m not going to play this kid.’ I wouldn’t play my son in that kind of situation. To Tim’s credit, he wanted to be there for his team.”
