EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow was inactive for Sunday's 7-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals due to two fractured ribs.
The Jets' public relations staff did not make Tebow available after the game, citing a league rule that inactive players are not required to talk to the media after a game.
A source said that Tebow was taken to the X-ray room at MetLife Stadium to have his ribs evaluated Sunday.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said after the game that Tebow was medically cleared to play against the Cardinals and expects him to be much healthier this week. Ryan said last week he didn't expect the Jets would make more than two quarterbacks active for a game.
Third-string quarterback Greg McElroy, who was active for the first time in his career, replaced ineffective starter Mark Sanchez in the third quarter against the Cardinals and threw the game's only touchdown.
Ryan had said Friday that Tebow would be a game-time decision.
"I never thought he was full-go," Ryan said Sunday. "He kind of sat back and had a little trouble throwing the football. We did practice him on a very limited basis throughout the week, but it was just something (where) I felt he would be better if he took this week off to get ready and be much healthier for Jacksonville.
"He could have played. Absolutely he could have played, but it was just a coach's decision."
Tebow was active twice -- against the Rams and Patriots -- after sustaining his injury. The severity of the injury became known the day before the Patriots game on Thanksgiving after an MRI diagnosed the fractures, but Ryan decided to dress Tebow despite hearing labored breathing from the QB during a practice that week.
Tebow said Friday that he would likely lobby to play despite feeling discomfort, because that's part of his nature. But the counsel to rest Tebow apparently won out Sunday.