Tebow’s status still unknown against Cardinals

The Jets still have uncertainty surrounding the status of backup quarterback Tim Tebow for this weekend.

Tebow suffered two cracked ribs on Nov. 11 during a 28-7 loss in Seattle but he still managed to play the next week in St. Louis and even practiced last week leading up to Thursday night’s loss to New England. He told the coaching staff he would be able to play and while he was activated and dressed for the game he never stepped foot on the field.

Now with the Jets getting closer to Sunday’s home game against the Cardinals, it remains to be seen if Tebow will be able to play any role. He was limited on Wednesday and said he didn’t throw much in practice.

“I’m feeling better, every day, slowly feeling better,” Tebow said.

The inclusion of Tebow will be important for the Jets. The Cardinals have had difficulties stopping the run this year and have the No. 23 run defense in the league. Though Tebow has been sparsely used in the Wildcat formation, he still adds a change of pace to a ground game that has improved in recent weeks.

“We’ll see how he progresses during the week,” head coach Rex Ryan said. “He’s limited right now, we’ll see. I think he’ll be cleared to play like he was last week.”

Throwing is understandably painful right now and he’s limited to just a few reps each day in practice. He’s been examined by the team’s medical staff on a daily basis and he sounded optimistic that he will play on Sunday. If he does, he will wear a rib protector and pads to protect his left side.

There isn’t concern on his part that he won’t be able to play or be effective on Sunday if he is active.

“I don’t know if you don’t worry about being effective, you worry about setbacks,” Tebow said. “Then it just takes long to heal and that’s frustrating.”

Gang Green notes

» Cornerback Aaron Berry (quad) and wide receiver Clyde Gates (concussion) did not practice. Nose tackle Sione Pouha (back), linebacker Bart Scott (toe) and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (heel, hamstring, illness) were all limited.

» Before practice, Ryan said that he wasn’t sure if wide receiver Chaz Schilens (hip, concussion) would be able to participate or if he’d be held out. Schilens told Metro that he did practice and there were no limitations. “I did everything and it was a pretty good practice,” Schilens said.

Then Schilens dropped a bit of news.

“I didn’t have a concussion. I just got hit; it was a normal football hit.”

Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.