NEW YORK — Tim Tebow would have done whatever Rex Ryan asked — if the New York Jets coach had asked him.

Ryan acknowledged Monday that Tebow wasn't happy when the coach chose Greg McElroy to start for the benched Mark Sanchez, but insisted Tebow was willing to play in any role Sunday against San Diego — including the wildcat.

"He was disappointed, there's no question," Ryan said Monday. "He was disappointed that he was not named the starter, but with that being said, I'm not going to get into private conversations that I have with players, but it was my decision to use Jeremy Kerley in the wildcat, without question.

"But I'll say this: I believe if Tim's number was called, he would've went in and played."

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Tebow asked out of his wildcat duties last week after hearing that McElroy, the third-stringer, would get his first NFL start over Tebow, listed as the No. 2 quarterback.

Another person familiar with the situation said that wildcat plays involving Kerley instead of Tebow were added before practice last Wednesday.

Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the Jets do not disclose personnel discussions.

Ryan had all three quarterbacks active for Sunday's 27-17 loss, but Tebow never got onto the field in any capacity.

Ryan did not deny that Tebow asked out of running wildcat plays, but also refused to go into any details of what happened.

"I've been transparent and all that stuff without question, but I'm not going to give you a private conversation that I would have with a player," Ryan reiterated.

Vick likely to start against Giants

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles rookie quarterback Nick Foles has a broken right hand, and coach Andy Reid said Michael Vick will likely start against the New York Giants in Sunday's season finale.

Reid said Monday that Foles broke his throwing hand in the second quarter of a 27-20 loss to Washington, but returned to the game after X-rays at the stadium were negative.

Vick hasn't played since suffering a concussion during a loss to the Cowboys on Nov. 11. He was recently cleared to return.

Notes

The Jacksonville Jaguars placed receiver Cecil Shorts III on injured reserve following his second concussion of the month, suffered in Sunday's loss to New England.

He had 55 receptions for a team-leading 979 yards and seven touchdowns.

• Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer will not play in the team's final game after suffering cracked ribs and a bruised lung from a hit by Carolina linebacker Greg Hardy Sunday.

• Pittsburgh Steelers tight end and team MVP Heath Miller sustained multiple torn ligaments in his right knee during the loss to the Bengals.