NEW YORK (AP) - Rex Ryan insists that Tim Tebow ``100 percent'' could have played in the New York Jets' lopsided loss to the New England Patriots, despite the backup quarterback having two broken ribs.

The Jets found out two days before the game Thursday night that Tebow's sore ribs were actually fractured when results from an MRI exam and CT scan were released. Tebow was active for the game, but Ryan kept him on the sideline and intended to use him only if the Jets ``absolutely have to.''

Tebow was hurt at Seattle two weeks ago, but initial X-rays were negative. He played at St. Louis last Sunday and continued to experience soreness, which intensified Tuesday morning. The tests that night revealed the severity of the injury, and he was questionable for the game.

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