FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Tim Tebow might add a new job title to an already-lengthy list.
The do-it-all backup quarterback could see time at running back in the New York Jets’ banged-up backfield against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
“That’s a possibility," coach Rex Ryan said Thursday. “The thing about Tim — with him being a football player like we’ve always talked about — by playing quarterback, he knows all the positions. So, can you plug him in at running back? Can you plug him in at tight end or whatever?
“I think the answer is yes."
The Jets are a bit short-handed at the position with backups Joe McKnight (sprained left ankle) and Bilal Powell (separated right shoulder) likely out for the game — although McKnight insisted, “It’s for first place, I’m in there." That leaves only starter Shonn Greene and rookie Jonathan Grimes, who has yet to play, as the team’s only completely healthy running backs. Lex Hilliard is the remaining fullback after the Jets waived John Conner on Wednesday.
Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano echoed Ryan’s comments on Tebow, and was just as vague.
“There’s a possibility," he said. “There’s a possibility for a lot of things. We’ll see."
But could Tebow actually make a good running back?
“I think Tim Tebow could be good at whatever he wants to be good at," Sparano said.
Tebow’s role has been limited in his first season with the Jets, but he has carried the ball 18 times for 64 yards — all on direct snaps as the team’s wildcat quarterback or in the read-option package.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said earlier in the week that Tebow is “really a running back" for the Jets, so Ryan’s acknowledgement should hardly come as a surprise to him.
“He’s a good runner, he’s a strong runner, very strong," Belichick said.
— The Associated Press