Could the 'end' be near for Tim Tebow?

New England’s first full-squad practice Friday may have offered a glimpse as to how head coach Bill Belichick plans on using Tim Tebow in the Patriots’ offense. In addition to making throws at the quarterback position, Tebow lined up with the running backs and receivers to catch passes. As ever, Belichick remained noncommittal while talking to the media.

“I think we’ll use Tim wherever we feel like is best for the team,” the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach said. “I know that’s what he’s committed to doing as well, whatever that is.”

The Patriots may ask Tebow to play tight end since the club finds itself short-handed at the position. New England released Aaron Hernandez, the team’s primary tight end, in June after he was arrested and subsequently charged with murder. New England’s other high-profile tight end, Rob Gronkowski, may not be ready to take the field until September because of back surgery he underwent in June.

While Tebow has zero receptions in his NFL career, his size and athleticism may enable him to make a position change. In April, while Tebow was still on the New York Jets roster, several teams were reportedly interested in trading for the 25-year-old if he was willing to play tight end.

With Tom Brady, one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks, calling the plays for the Patriots on the field, Tebow may not have much opportunity to play quarterback this season. Even if Brady gets hurt, Ryan Mallet is slated to fill-in as his backup. If Tebow is determined to resurrect his career, he may have no choice but to adapt to a new position on the field.

“I just do whatever I’m told,” Tebow said after the practice. “I’ll work as hard as I possibly can to do the best job that I can with whatever I’m asked to do.”