Chip Kelly says Tebow isn’t ‘good enough’ to be Eagles’ third-string QB
Tim Tebow apparently just wasn’t “good enough” to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ third-string quarterback in coach Chip Kelly’s offense.
Tebow had appeared to win the competition for the No. 3 job behind starter Sam Bradford and backup Mark Sanchez when Matt Barkley was traded to the Arizona Cardinals on Friday.
But Tebow was one of 22 players released Saturday as the Eagles reduced their roster to 53 players.
Kelly praised Tebow for working hard and getting better, but ultimately that wasn’t enough to make the team.
“We felt Tim has progressed, but we didn’t feel he was good enough to be the (No.) 3 right now,” Kelly said during a news conference Saturday.
“(Tebow) really improved his throwing motion from when he was throwing a couple of years ago. He worked extremely hard on it and deserves a lot of credit for that. I talked to him a little earlier (Saturday) when we released him.
“He just needs to get more playing time. Get out there and get actual reps. Because he has done a ton on his own from an individual basis, but it is about taking that next step and playing the game.”
Tebow, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2012, played in all four of the Eagles’ preseason games, completing 21 of 36 passes with two touchdown passes and one interception.
The 28-year-old Tebow took to Twitter later Saturday, thanking Kelly and the Eagles:
“Thanks @Eagles and Coach Kelly for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love! Romans 8:28 #Blessed”
Kelly said the Eagles were planning to acquire a third quarterback.
“We are not done,” Kelly said Saturday. “There could be a third quarterback. We’ll see what happens with the waiver wire. Whether we add a quarterback to the active roster or the practice squad, we’ll see.”
