Tebow was expected to have a major role in the offense, but instead has been a spare part averaging about seven offensive snaps per game. He has been listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart, but if the Jets turned to McElroy, it would have meant the No. 3 guy leapfrogged Tebow to start for the Jets.

McElroy said he has had a ‘‘normal’’ week so far, taking his usual number of snaps along with practicing with the scout team.

‘‘You’re not guaranteed anything, not at all,’’ McElroy said. ‘‘You do your best to make the most of your opportunity and do your best to help the team.’’

The fact the next two games are on the road should also help Sanchez. He was booed mercilessly by the MetLife Stadium crowd last Sunday, particularly after each interception, and chants for McElroy were heard throughout the game. McElroy was cheered as he warmed up late in the third quarter, and there was growing sentiment among some fans and media that he earned a start after lifting the team.

‘‘This is my opinion,’’ Ryan said, ‘‘and I believe that sometimes you don’t need to sit a guy for ‘X’ amount of games.’’

Now, Ryan has sent the message to Sanchez: perform or else. And Sanchez gets another shot to save his job this season — and his status as the Jets’ franchise quarterback.

‘‘This kind of thing affects people’s lives and careers,’’ Sanchez said. ‘‘It’s not just, ‘Oh, man. Bummer.’ It’s not like that. This is serious.’’

___