Tim Tebow at running back vs. Pats? It's possible

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Gamesmanship? Plausible strategy? Or a little bit of both?

Whatever the reason, Rex Ryan couldn't help but float the idea of possibly using Tim Tebow in the running game against New England.

Despite injuries to Bilal Powell (separated shoulder) and Joe McKnight (ankle), Ryan refused to discuss the Jets' lack of depth at running back and the possible "what- ifs" should both players be inactive Sunday.

But when asked Thursday about using Tebow at running back, Ryan replied: "That's a possibility.

"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, or whatever? I think the answer is yes."

Of course, Ryan could have offered the "intel" so it would make its way to Bill Belichick in Foxboro. But it's not far-fetched to assume the Jets could, and should, use Tebow in the Wildcat and at fullback against the Patriots. Even the Patriots' coach praised Tebow's versatility this week, including his prowess as a runner.

Could Belichick's rave review of Tebow be some sort of mind game? Certainly. But quite a few NFL pundits already have argued that Tebow's size (6-3, 236), strength and speed make him a viable option as a running back. Also, Jonathan Grimes, who was signed off the Texans' practice squad last month, is the only healthy back behind Shonn Greene.

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Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, however, was as evasive as Ryan when it came to Tebow.

"There are possibilities of a lot of things," Sparano said. "We'll see."

So are the Jets planning to use Tebow at running back?

"Planning for?" Sparano said, pausing for several seconds. "We'll see."

The backup quarterback has gained 64 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt and 10.7 per game. Though he hasn't scored a touchdown, he does have a run of 22 yards.

Ryan said Tebow's best attribute is his strength. "He's not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs," he said, "but he's got power."

Ryan said Grimes likely will be active Sunday but stopped short of declaring him the third-down back. Grimes, 22, said he's not looking to be "the superhero on Sunday just yet" but is anxious to bring a running style that's similar to Powell's and McKnight's.

"People already know what Shonn Greene can do. He's a beast. And everybody knows what Tebow's about," said Grimes, a New Jersey native. "I try to mix it up. I got a little wiggle sometimes, sometimes I come at you. The main thing is, I just want to be fundamentally sound."

Twice, McKnight scurried away from reporters, but not before declaring himself active for Sunday's game.

"For first place? I'm playing!" he said excitedly before exiting the room. But although he said his ankle felt better, he and Powell didn't practice for a second straight day.

Greene, who had a career day against the Colts last week (161 yards, 32 carries, three touchdowns), was asked playfully if he's ready for Tebow to take away some of his snaps.

Straight-faced, the Jets' featured back replied: "Who? Never heard of him."

As for what he expects the backup quarterback to add to the running game, Greene said: "I guess I'll see like everybody else. Whatever it takes to win, I'm good with."