They wanted to see the backup quarterback in a 49-19 blowout loss to New England on Thursday night. Turns out, there was little chance Tebow would see a snap.

Tebow, who didn’t play at all, revealed after the game that he broke two ribs in the Jets’ loss at Seattle two weeks ago.

“They need a little time to get better,” Tebow said, adding that his breathing has been affected by the injury.

He was listed as questionable for the game with a rib ailment, but fully practiced Wednesday. Coach Rex Ryan had reservations about making Tebow active, deciding to use him only “if we absolutely had to have him,” and leaving third-stringer Greg McElroy inactive.

“I appreciate his concern,” Tebow said. “I had to do a little bit of talking just to dress, but I just want to be there for my teammates in case they needed me in an emergency situation.”

Tebow has had a limited role in the Jets’ offense this season after being acquired from the Denver Broncos in March. He was expected to add a dynamic element to the offense, particularly in the wildcat package, but he is averaging only about seven plays on offense.

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