McElroy has concussion, Sanchez to start for Jets

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.

Associated Press

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Rex Ryan stepped to the podium, looked out at the cameras and opened his news conference with a warning.

"You're not going to believe this one," the New York Jets coach declared without any hint of a smile.

In what has been a bizarre season, the Jets' wacky quarterback situation took yet another twist. Greg McElroy has a concussion - which he didn't reveal until Thursday - and will be replaced by Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback in the season finale at Buffalo on Sunday.

"We've come to find out that Greg wasn't exactly truthful with our training staff after the game," said Ryan, who acknowledged he was "stunned" to hear the news. "He never disclosed that he had symptoms after the game to our trainers. Right now, he's being evaluated for a concussion."

McElroy, preparing to make his second NFL start in place of the benched Sanchez, was lifting weights Thursday morning and started experiencing headaches, Ryan said. McElroy went to the team's training staff and then revealed he was suffering concussion-like symptoms after being sacked 11 times in the Jets' 27-17 loss to San Diego last Sunday.

McElroy and head trainer John Mellody then went to Ryan to tell the coach the news. Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano said he was "pretty silent" when he found out a few minutes after Ryan.

"It's another bump in the road here," Sparano said, "and it's something we've become a little accustomed to dealing with."

Ryan was not certain exactly when McElroy suffered the concussion, but said there was no way he would play McElroy against the Bills and the third-stringer will "definitely be out." McElroy had been listed on the injury report Wednesday with a mild abdominal strain, but was a full participant in practice and was expected to play without any issues.

"I admire his courage and everything else, but you have to be truthful and I think that's the lesson learned here with the medical staff," said Ryan, who spoke to the entire team about concussions after practice. "The fact he really wanted to play, I understand the competitive side of Greg and all that, but the most important thing is the health of the players.

"Obviously, I feel fortunate that something like this showed up without him going out there and putting himself in harm's way."

While Sanchez wouldn't comment on whether players choosing to play through head injuries is common in the NFL, Tebow acknowledged that it probably does happen around the league because of job security.

"You fight hard to earn something and you don't want to jeopardize that with an injury, for sure," said Tebow, who added that he has never been in McElroy's situation. "I think that's definitely something guys will think about."

Ryan chose to start Sanchez over Tim Tebow because the team has just two practices and a walkthrough to prepare before the game. He also cited Sanchez's success against the Bills in the season opener, when he threw three touchdown passes in the Jets' 48-28 win.

Sanchez appeared to be on his way to a solid season, but it ended up being his best game. He was benched for the first time in his four-year career after turning over the ball five times at Tennessee on Dec. 17.

"I'm excited to play, obviously," Sanchez said. "You just never want to see something like that happen to a teammate, somebody I really respect. You feel for Greg and I'll be ready to play."

Sanchez was a bit surprised when Ryan told him he'd be starting because he thought McElroy just wasn't feeling well.

"I guess I didn't expect it," Sanchez said. "I wasn't coming into today thinking he had a concussion. I never would've known."

McElroy leapfrogged Tebow on the depth chart to start against the Chargers. After finding out about McElroy's condition, Ryan spoke with both Sanchez and Tebow to tell them of his decision.

"Obviously, Tim's not happy with that, as you'd expect," Ryan said.

The news came on the heels of some tension between Ryan and Tebow last week, when the popular backup quarterback told the coach he was "disappointed" at not getting the start and wanted to play "regular quarterback." ESPN New York first reported Sunday that Tebow asked out of the wildcat, and a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed that to The Associated Press. The two met again last Friday to clear the air, and Tebow reiterated that he was willing to do anything the team asked him to do.

Tebow insisted Wednesday that he did not refuse to do anything and acknowledged that Ryan might have misinterpreted what he said. Ryan said he understands that Tebow is frustrated at the situation and by not starting, but again would not disclose anything said between the two in their conversations last week.

Tebow said he didn't think Ryan's choice to play Sanchez was in any way punitive, and added that he and the coach have a "great" relationship.

"When you're a competitor, you want to play," Tebow said. "But I understood his decision and I just let him know, just like always, that I'll do whatever I can to help the team."

Tebow will be the No. 2 quarterback on Sunday at Buffalo, and could play - but it won't be as the starter.

"Obviously, he'd like a shot at it," Ryan said, "but with the situation the way it is, it's a short window, really, to get the preparation time in and I just think it's best for our football team."

With the way the season has played out, from the quarterback controversies to the injuries suffered by key players, Ryan was asked if this is the strangest year he has ever experienced in the NFL.

"Yeah, I would say that's pretty accurate," Ryan said, laughing. "And, we've had some strange ones."

Added Tebow, chuckling: "It's been interesting."

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Updated December 27, 2012