Rex Ryan: Tebow Could Play Running Back

Oct 14, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) rushes with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Jets won 35-9. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

While there has been some speculation about how exactly the New York Jets could utilize backup quarterback Tim Tebow more effectively and how to get him a larger tole in the team’s office, Jets head coach Rex Ryan has said it’s possible for Tebow to get reps at running back with the team having depth issues.

Joe McKnight has a high ankle sprain and Bilal Powell has a separated shoulder so the need for healthy rushers is definitely there. Tebow could fill that void.

“That’s a possibility,” Ryan said, via the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “The thing about Tim, with him being a football player, . . . 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.

“His skillset would be more based on power,” continued Ryan. “He’s not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs, but he’s got power.”

If Tebow does get reps at running back, it could be the best use of Tebow’s skills by any team since he has been in the NFL. Tebow may not have the skills to be a NFL quarterback but there is no denying he is one heck of a football player.