NEW YORK - Rex Ryan has benched Mark Sanchez and will start third-string quarterback Greg McElroy in the New York Jets' game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Sanchez threw four interceptions Monday night and couldn't handle a low snap with the game on the line as the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention with a 14-10 loss at Tennessee.

Ryan said after the game that he wasn't ready to decide who would start against the Chargers, but chose McElroy over Sanchez and backup Tim Tebow after talking with his staff and others in the organization Tuesday.

McElroy, a seventh-round pick last year out of Alabama, helped lead the Jets to a 7-6 win over Arizona on Dec. 2 when Ryan pulled Sanchez from that game late in the third quarter.

Kickoff for Sunday's game is at 10 a.m. Pacific time.

The game was moved from its primtetime "Sunday Night Football" slot due to the league's flexible scheduling policy.