Rex: No Tebow vs. PHI

Rex Ryan confirmed Tim Tebow will not play next Thursday against the Eagles.

Starters typically sit out the final game of the preseason, but -- given the fact that Tebow technically isn't a starter -- many wondered whether he would see action in Philly.

But the Jets coach confirmed Friday that his backup-backup QBs -- Greg McElroy and Matt Simms -- will play instead of Tebow and Sanchez.

Many fans (and reporters) wondered why the Jets have used Tebow so much during the preseason. Case in point: Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano had the backup QB play the entire second half against the Giants, rather than insert second-stringer McElroy. (Conversely, Giants backups David Carr and Ryan Perrilloux both played.)

"Well, you've got a brand new offensive system, so clearly you're going to go with the guys that are going to play during the regular season," Ryan explained. "The other thing is, I'm not worried about any other teams, but our schedule was set up where we play the Sunday night game -- in this one, you'll obviously extend your players, but they're not going to play on Thursday. With that quick of a turnaround, (starters are) really not going to play on Thursday."