Updated

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow reportedly wants out if he doesn't get a chance to play over the final two games of the season.

Tebow, the backup for all but one game this year, was bypassed on the depth chart by Greg McElroy, who will start this Sunday against San Diego after Mark Sanchez was benched by Jets coach Rex Ryan.

According to the New York Daily News, Tebow will likely request a trade or ask for his release if McElroy starts each of the final two games.

Ryan decided to bench Sanchez after Monday night's 14-10 loss to Tennessee eliminated the Jets from postseason contention. Sanchez threw four interceptions and fumbled away the final offensive snap in the disastrous outing.

Tebow was acquired from Denver in one of the most hyped trades for a backup quarterback in NFL history. It was thought he would give the Jets an added dimension on offense, but has rarely been used.

The former Heisman Trophy winner has appeared in 11 games this season and has completed 6-of-8 passes for a mere 39 yards while also rushing for 102 yards on 32 carries.

Once Ryan decided to sit Sanchez, the choice of McElroy to make Sunday's start was somewhat surprising. The Alabama product has been inactive for most of the season and has appeared in just one game. He came off the bench in Week 13 and threw a touchdown pass in a 7-6 win over Arizona.

Sanchez was back as the starter the following week and Tebow -- who had been bothered by a rib injury -- returned to his backup duties, while McElroy was again third string.

"I liked what I saw from Greg against Arizona," Ryan said when announcing his starter on Tuesday. "I like what I see on the practice field."

Ryan, though, did not say whether McElroy would be the starter beyond this week, meaning Tebow could still get an opportunity in the season-finale at Buffalo.