Welker, Mankins Back Out Of Pro Bowl
BOSTON (CBS ) - While the New England Patriots won't be participating in that big game down in New Orleans in two weeks, a handful were slated to play in the NFL's Pro Bowl this weekend.
But it turns out, a few of them won't be playing in that game either.
According to ESPNBoston, wide receiver Wes Welker and Logan Mankins withdrew from the Pro Bowl on Monday due to injuries.
While neither were listed on the Patriots AFC Championship Game injury report, they both battled bumps and bruises throughout the season. Welker, who is not one to shy away from big hits, battled a knee injury for several weeks, while Mankins missed six games with a lingering calf and hip injury.
Read: Leftover Thoughts From AFC Championship
With Welker and Mankins backing out, and tight end Rob Gronkowski already out with a broken forearm, the Patriots now have just four of their seven voted-in representatives left on the Pro Bowl roster.
Read: Belichick Calls AFC Championship Loss 'Crash Landing'
Quarterback Tom Brady, linebacker Jerod Mayo, nose tackle Vince Wilfork and special teams captain Matthew Slater were each selected to the AFC's team, but could also choose to sit out the trip to Hawaii.
