NFL

Tim Tebow as running back against Patriots ‘a possibility’

Tim Tebow has more roles than Kevin Bacon.

Add another one to the Jets backup quarterback/wildcat specialist/personal protector/lightning rod. Jets coach Rex Ryan did not rule out the idea of Tebow playing running back Sunday against the Patriots.

“That’s a possibility,” Ryan said. “The thing about Tim being a football player like we’ve always talked about, Tim can … 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? I think the answer is yes.”

Now, it should be noted that if Ryan was asked if Tebow could fly the team plane he would probably say, “That’s a possibility.” Ryan rarely rules anything out.

JETS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF TEBOW ON SPECIAL TEAMS

PATRIOTS SPENDING TIME PREPARING FOR TEBOW

TEBOW IN PHOTOS

According to a source, Tebow will not be lined up as a traditional halfback, but could see more carries out of the Wildcat formation this week or in a shotgun formation alongside quarterback Mark Sanchez.

An increased role for Tebow Sunday makes some sense when you consider the Jets’ health issues at the position. Bilal Powell will not play after separating his right shoulder last week, according to a source. Joe McKnight most likely won’t play after suffering a high left ankle sprain last week, but the team has not yet ruled him out, a source said.

Ryan wouldn’t comment on the status of either Powell or McKnight, but neither player practiced yesterday. Powell was not even on the field as practice began. McKnight did some light work with the trainers off to the side. He said after practice he plans on playing.

If Powell and McKnight are both out, the only traditional running backs the Jets will have are Shonn Greene and Jonathan Grimes, who they signed three weeks ago off the Texans’ practice squad. Grimes was active against the Texans two weeks ago but only played special teams. The rookie from William & Mary has yet to get a carry.

The Jets had their best rushing day of the season last week, gaining 252 yards on the ground. Greene had a career-high 161.

Speculation began Tuesday the Jets could use Tebow at running back this week when the Jets had quarterback Kevin O’Connell in for a visit. It makes no sense for them to sign a fourth quarterback unless they are thinking of playing Tebow mainly at running back and wanted to move Greg McElroy into the backup quarterback role.

The Jets brought no free agent running backs in for workouts this week, probably because they view Tebow as a third running back.

Tebow did not speak to reporters yesterday, but on Wednesday he said there had been no talk of moving him to running back. Several Jets were amused when told what Ryan said, speculating that he is probably just trying to give the Patriots something to prepare for.

Ryan said he believes Tebow has the skill set to play the position.

“I think his skill set would be more based on power,” Ryan said. “He’s not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs, but he’s got power.”

That would be same skill set of Greene, the starting running back. So wouldn’t the Jets rather have a speed back to complement Greene?

“It’s not like we’re going to put [Antonio] Cromartie back there,” Ryan said. “We’re good. We have some good backs. I’m comfortable with our running back situation.”

Tebow has rushed for 64 yards on 18 carries this season, but all of those rushes have come from the Wildcat formation. He has lined up as a fullback on a few occasions and gone out for a pass. He also has lined up next to quarterback Mark Sanchez in the shotgun formation and been a blocking back.

Greene said he welcomes Tebow at running back.

“If we can get a win like that, then that’s fine with me,” he said.

Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano left the door open to Tebow as a running back when asked about the possibility.

“There’s possibilities in a lot of things,” Sparano said. “We’ll see.”