‘‘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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