Tebow emergency-only against Cards

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow has two fractured ribs but the team still has not activated third-string quarterback Greg McElroy.

Tebow, who said he injured his ribs Nov. 11 in a 28-7 loss to Seattle, stood on the sidelines during Thursday's 49-19 loss to the New England Patriots as an emergency option for the team, but third-stringer McElroy was not activated, meaning an injury to Mark Sanchez would leave the team with only a hurt Tebow to act as quarterback, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said the injury has been affecting Tebow's breathing and has gotten "progressively worse" during the past week. He said he considered deactivating Tebow.

Tebow said he "had to do a little bit of talking just to dress" for Thursday's game.

Tebow said he hopes he'll be able to play Dec. 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

"I just want to be there for my teammates in case they needed me in an emergency situation," Tebow said.