NFC Pro Bowl team without two of its offensive stars

Two of the top offensive performers from the NFC are taking a pass on the Pro Bowl.

The news hardly comes as a surprise. Players skip the game in large numbers each season.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced today on 540 ESPN in Milwaukee that he will not play in the game due to an undisclosed injury. Also, earlier today it was announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson will replace Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions.

Johnson had one of the most remarkable seasons in NFL history for a wide receiver. But during the second half of the season he missed significant practice time with a string of minor injuries. Johnson is going to use the early offseason to begin the healing process instead of playing in Hawaii.

The NFL expects players chosen for the game to play unless they have a legitimate medical reason.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune