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

He might not even be the backup.

Rex Ryan decided to bench Sanchez on Tuesday 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.

Sanchez threw four interceptions Monday night and wasn’t able to handle a low snap with the game on the line, ending the Jets’ hopes to get back into the postseason.

Things got worse after the game for Sanchez, who received a series of death threats from one disgruntled fan on Twitter. League spokesman Greg Aiello said the NFL’s security staff was aware of the man’s threats and was working with the Jets to assist on the matter. The team declined comment through a spokesman.

COWBOYS: A judge ordered nose tackle Josh Brent to wear an electronic monitor while free on an intoxication manslaughter charge in a car crash that killed a teammate.

A judge modified conditions for his continued release and lowered bond from $500,000 to $100,000 during Brent’s court appearance.

 

BILLS: Buffalo signed starting right guard Kraig Urbik to a four-year contract extension worth $13.3 million.

• Receiver Donald Jones’ season is over after he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list.

Jones’ agent, Cliff Laboy, said the illness is not serious, and is related to a calf injury that forced his client to miss two of the past three games.

 

STEELERS: Cornerback Ike Taylor will miss his third straight game while recovering from a fractured ankle. The Steelers also placed cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

 

BEARS: Chicago placed running back Michael Bush on season-ending injured reserve because of a rib injury and signed Kahlil Bell to take his place.

 

BROWNS: Alec Scheiner was named the new president of the team.

Scheiner, 39, will join Cleveland after eight years with the Cowboys.

He was senior vice president and general counsel with Dallas the last five years.