Tebow's newest role: backup RB

Tim Tebow might add a new job title to an already-lengthy list.

The do-it-all backup quarterback could see time at running back in the New York Jets' banged-up backfield against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

"That's a possibility," coach Rex Ryan said Thursday. "The thing about Tim - with him being a football player like we've always talked about - by playing quarterback, he knows all the positions. So, can you plug him in at running back? Can you plug him in at tight end or whatever?

"I think the answer is yes."

The Jets are a bit shorthanded at the position with backups Joe McKnight (sprained left ankle) and Bilal Powell (separated right shoulder) likely out for the game. That leaves starter Shonn Greene and rookie Jonathan Grimes, who has yet to play, as the team's only running backs. Lex Hilliard is the remaining fullback after the Jets waived John Conner on Wednesday.

Tebow's role has been limited in his first season with the Jets, but he has carried the ball 18 times for 64 yards - all on direct snaps as the team's Wildcat quarterback or in the read-option package. He has lined up at quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, fullback, and running back at times throughout the season, creating the element of surprise for opponents.

Bears running back Matt Forte said that he is just about 100 percent, that his sprained right ankle is feeling better.

That's certainly good news for the NFC North leaders.

They sit atop the division at 4-1 and rank 10th in the league in rushing despite some uneven performances. Forte is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and newcomer Michael Bush has been solid backing him up, particularly in short-yardage situations, but the Bears realize there's room for improvement.

Having their star running back healthy should help.

"I was pretty much back to almost 100 the last game we played against the Jaguars," said Forte, who ran for a season-high 107 yards in a lopsided win over Jacksonville two weeks ago. "But having off some days is always good for any injuries."

Maybe the run game will really kick into a higher gear, as it has in recent years around the off week. The Bears just had theirs, and with Detroit (2-3) visiting on Monday night, now would be a good time.

Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson will wear a protective flak jacket in this week's game against Indian-

apolis to guard a rib injury.

Richardson suffered a rib cartilage injury in Sunday's win over Cincinnati. Richardson said his side was sore and he had trouble breathing after he absorbed a helmet hit in the first quarter. Richardson expects to play against the Colts, and Browns coach Pat Shurmur said his starting running back would be outfitted in extra "space-age- designed" protective equipment.

Shurmur quipped the jacket is "bullet proof, and [Richardson] told me he already was."

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left practice after turning his right ankle but expects to play Sunday against Cincinnati. . . . Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said injured receiver Pierre Garcon was a "long shot" to play against the Giants on Sunday. Garcon missed a second straight practice with a right toe injury.