FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Tim Tebow could be used as a running back when the New York Jets play the New England Patriots this Sunday in Foxborough, coach Rex Ryan said during his Thursday news conference.
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"That's a possibility," Ryan said. "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 was asked about Tebow after he announced that the Jets' two backup running backs, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight, would not practice for the second straight day. Powell injured his shoulder in a win over the Colts, and McKnight hurt his ankle soon after.
Tebow, officially the team's backup quarterback, has 64 rushing yards this season, but almost all out of the Wildcat formation after a direct snap. He gained muscle mass over the offseason to help block in his new role with the punt protection team. So although technically a quarterback, Tebow has aquired the physique for contact, and has been used to block on offense as well.
Tebow has played running back already this season, taking a couple of snaps at the position against the 49ers, but none of his carries have come as a back. They've all come from the shotgun as part of the Wildcat and read-option package.
Belichick, speaking Wednesday, said Tebow is "really another running back for them."
The Jets are woefully thin in the backfield, but the reason they didn't sign one this week, according to sources, is because of the feeling that Tebow could play the position. It's a sure sign that Tebow will be involved in the game plan.
The possibility to use Tebow at running back could be a reason why the Jets brought in quarterback Kevin O'Connell Tuesday for a visit and physical. They could be thinking of using Tebow in more of a non-quarterback role, and might look to add O'Connell as a traditional quarterback.
Shonn Greene, the team's starting running back, had 161 rushing yards against the Colts last Sunday, a career high, in his fourth season with the Jets.
The one possible wrinkle in using Tebow as a running back is that he bears some similarity to Green, whose strength is power, rather than speed or agility.
"(Tebow is) not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs but he's got power," Ryan said.
ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini contributed to this report.