Jets’ Ryan benches Sanchez for McElroy

Mark Sanchez is no longer the New York Jets’ franchise quarterback.

He might not even be the backup.

Rex Ryan decided Tuesday to bench Sanchez in favor of Greg McElroy after the fourth-year quarterback had another miserable performance in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee on Monday night that eliminated New York from playoff contention.

“I think it’s best for our team, and for this game,” Ryan said during a conference call.

So, it’ll be McElroy under center for his first NFL start when the Jets (6-8) play the San Diego Chargers at home Sunday. Ryan hasn’t decided whether Sanchez or Tim Tebow – listed as the No. 2 quarterback – will be the backup.

While Sanchez blew the second chance Ryan gave him a few weeks ago, Tebow was leapfrogged by a third-stringer, fueling speculation that the team has little confidence in him as a quarterback.

Quick kicks

Pittsburgh (7-7) CB Ike Taylor will miss his third straight game while recovering from a fractured ankle. … A judge has ordered Cowboys (8-6) DT Josh Brent to wear an electronic monitor while free on an intoxication manslaughter charge in a car crash that killed a teammate. … The Browns (5-9) have placed LB James-Michael Johnson and DB T.J. Ward on season-ending injured reserve with knee injuries. … The Jaguars (2-12) have placed DE Andre Branch and RB Jordan Todman on injured reserve and promoted TE Isaiah Stanback and WR Mike Brown from the practice squad. … The Bears (8-6) have placed RB Michael Bush on injured reserve because of a rib injury and signed RB Kahlil Bell to take his place. The Chargers (5-9) have placed RB Ryan Mathews, WR Malcom Floyd and OT Reggie Wells on injured reserve.