The Jets says Tim Tebow will back up Mark Sanchez at quarterback.
The Jets says Tim Tebow will back up Mark Sanchez at quarterback. Reuters

For the first time since he became a Jet in the offseason, Tim Tebow will suit up and take the field in an NFL game.

New York takes on Cincinnati Friday night in both teams' first preseason game of 2012. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on the NFL Network. If you can't get to a television, you can watch a live stream online by clicking here.

Mark Sanchez will start at quarterback, but Tebow will likely see plenty of snaps. Starters don't usually play more than a quarter in the first exhibition game, and with Tebow being the backup, there's a chance he could get more snaps than any Jets quarterback.

Since New York plans to use Tebow in the Wildcat during the season, he could even be used with Sanchez still on the field.

Quinton Coples will make his NFL debut. The Jets took the defensive end with the 16th overall pick in the draft.

New York hits the field for the first time since finishing a disappointing 2011 campaign. The team that many people expected to make a Super Bowl run ended the year at just 8-8. They missed the playoffs for the first time under Rex Ryan.

The Bengals are coming of a surprisingly strong year. They made the playoffs after they were expected to finish last in the AFC North.

The Bengals have two first round picks this year, both of whom will take the field for the first time as pros. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and offensive guard Kevin Zeitler will see their first action.

The Saints beat the Cardinals in the first preseason game of 2012 in the Hallf of Fame game on Sunday. Twelve other teams got their years started on Thursday night.