When Tim Tebow signed with the New England Patriots in June, reports indicated he would remain playing quarterback - even after the loss of Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski's back surgery. After a press conference on Friday, has Patriots coach Bill Belichick's plans for Tebow changed?
The New York Jets tried to play Tebow at different positions, and the experiment failed. Since the signing of Tebow on June 11, it appeared he wouldn't take reps at any other position but quarterback.
Belichick took questions shortly after Tebow signed. When asked what position Tebow would play, Belichick said, "We'll see."
On June 21, RotoWorld reported: "Per (ESPN's Mike) Reiss, the Pats have 'made it pretty clear' Tebow is in Foxboro to compete for third-string quarterback duties. There are no imminent plans for a position change."
Things have changed since then. Authorities arrested tight end Aaron Hernandez on June 27, and the status of Gronkowski, who underwent back surgery on June 18, remains uncertain for Week 1.
There had been speculation of Tebow switching to tight end, but the Patriots never gave any indication either way - Belichick hadn't met with the media since Hernandez's arrest. The coach finally spoke to reporters on Wednesday, but, understandably, the questions were about Hernandez.
After stressing it was time for the Patriots to move on, Belichick on Friday fielded his first Tebow question. A reporter asked whether Tebow would play exclusively at quarterback.
"I think we'll use Tim where ever we feel like is best for the team," Belichick told reporters on Friday, via Pro Football Talk. "I know that's what he's committed to doing as well, whatever that is."
Belichick is never forthcoming with reporters. But, for him, his answer is more telling than his original "we'll see" response. It doesn't rule out the possibility of Tebow adding depth to the team's tight ends.
If Belichick does plan to experiment with Tebow at tight end, it likely won't be during the practices open to media.
