EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow was not active for the team’s game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday because of a rib injury.
Tebow has two broken ribs, suffered at Seattle on Nov. 11, and was limited in practice all week. Third-stringer Greg McElroy was active for the first time in his two-year NFL career and was backing up starter Mark Sanchez. Tebow was active Thanksgiving night against New England, but did not play, with coach Rex Ryan saying he would see action only in “an emergency.”
Tebow has been a limited participant in the offense, averaging just seven snaps a game after being expected to be an integral part.
Also out for the Jets were wide receiver Clyde Gates, cornerback Aaron Berry, linebacker Ricky Sapp, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, offensive lineman Caleb Schlauderaff and tight end Hayden Smith.
Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts, the team’s second-leading receiver with 50 catches and five touchdown receptions, was out with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the starting offense by rookie Michael Floyd.
Defensive end Calais Campbell was sidelined with a calf injury for the third straight game. He hoped to return this week, but David Carter filled in for him on the starting defensive line.
Starting quarterback Kevin Kolb is out again for the sixth straight game, as expected, with a rib injury. Rookie Ryan Lindley was starting for the second straight game. Lindley threw four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns by Janoris Jenkins, in Arizona’s 31-17 loss to St. Louis last week.
Tight end Todd Heap (knee) was also out for the Cardinals, and hasn’t played since the second week of the season. Also inactive for the Cardinals were: running back Alfonso Smith, guard Senio Kelemente and tackle Pat McQuistan.
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