Tim Tebow: Why Tebow's Days as Denver Broncos QB Aren't Done

On Monday, the Denver Broncos released their depth chart in anticipation of their 8:30 p.m. Thursday night matchup at the Dallas Cowboys.

Kyle Orton, as has been reported for most of Broncos camp, is going to be QB1 going into the preseason, and more than likely staying there for Week 1.

Tebow is officially listed as the No. 2 QB, but the battle between him and No. 3, Brady Quinn, is heating up.

How far the mighty have fallen.

Tebow was expected to challenge for the starting QB job this offseason after posting a respectable 1-2 record as a starter on a very bad Broncos team in the final three games of last season.

Orton was only able to bring the team three wins, compared to his 10 losses last season, and many fans are fed up with him.

The coaches are in a bind because Orton has clearly outplayed Tebow and Quinn and gives the Broncos the best chance to win. It makes sense that new coach John Fox decided to reward the most productive in camp with the starting job.

What is more interesting is fact that Fox seems to be completely losing faith in Tebow.

Tebow started off Monday taking snaps with the second-team offense like usual, but found himself replaced by Quinn for the two-minute drills.

Today, Tebow took only one snap with the second team. After Tebow fumbled on the play, coach Fox had enough and immediately replaced him with Brady Quinn.

Does this mean Tebow will be relegated to the third-string quarterback for the rest of the season?

Most likely not.

Tebow was the 25th pick in last years draft and seemed promising last season. He also has a ton of utility in packages as he continues to develop. An able passer who can run like a fullback and easily score TDs in the red zone will always have a place in this league.

The Broncos will not abandon Tebow or even consider seriously making him a third-string QB.

If anything, they are using this as a lesson for the young QB. By showing Tebow, and the rest of the roster, that he is not anything special because of his fame and college pedigree, Fox is earning the respect of his players and forcing Tebow to work harder.

The Broncos are not ready to compete for the AFC West or a wild card playoff spot in the conference this season. Orton is a temporary starter who should be on his way out of Denver by this time next year with his contract up.

Tebow is the future of this franchise, and there is nothing wrong with letting him ride the pine once more and being a special package QB until he is ready. 

-Alex Kay

Follow @AlexPKay