FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots have a decision to make in the next five days.
The team will have to decide if the 53rd spot on the roster is better suited for a third quaterback or a player that may be able to contribute on offense, defense or special teams this year. Keeping Tim Tebow could mean only having seven offensive linemen, five defensive ends, five cornerbacks or three healthy tight ends on the roster.
Tebow has one last game to prove he deserves a shot on the roster Thursday when the Patriots take on the Giants in New England. The third-stringer isn’t treating this game differently from any other he’s played in his career, though.
“Nah, it’s the same as any other game I’ve ever played in,” Tebow said. “Just prepare, get ready and go out there and do the best you can with the opportunity you’re given. And focus and prepare and understand the game plan or try to accomplish all the same things.”
Tebow struggled in the first two games he played with the Patriots, going 5-for19 with 54 yards and an interception. He sat out Thursday against the Lions as Tom Brady and Ryan Mallett took all the snaps under center. Tebow said he doesn’t know if the team plans to play him against New York.
“I don’t know,” Tebow said. “I don’t know if I will know. Just, you gotta be ready.”
Tebow said he’s not worried about things he can’t control — like the Patriots’ decision to keep him or not. He said he’ll continue to focus on what he can control.
“I learned very early on in my career at Florida to worry about what I can control,” Tebow said. “And the things that I can’t control, I’m not going to spend time worrying about. But I can control my attitude and my effort and my focus every single day. Those are the things I’m going to worry about.”
There wasn’t much interest in Tebow prior to being signed by the Patriots, so even if he is cut on Aug. 31, that may not be the last New England sees of No. 5.
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