Bengals WR A.J. Green is surprised to be a pro bowler

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green still hasn't reached the 1,000-yard marker and he'll need to score one more touchdown this Sunday to match his career-low (during his rookie year) of seven touchdowns.

It's not necessarily his fault.

A toe injury held him out for three games earlier this season and in all but six snaps during a fourth (Atlanta). During Cincinnati's Monday Night game against the Denver Broncos, Green took a significant shot on a quick slant that led to a bruised biceps and a decoy-like presence for most of the game.

Despite his missed time and reduced numbers on his stat sheet (both are connected), Green was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl. And he was just as surprised as the rest of us.

"It’s definitely an honor. It definitely was a surprise because there are so many other big receivers that had some big years besides what I did and I missed five games, whatever," Green said. "Some the receivers had some big years. It’s definitely an honor."

During his two most recent seasons, Green has averaged 98 receptions, 1,388 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Despite missing time, this year he has generated a similar pace, save for the explosive yardage.

Not using complicated math. If we exclude his 3 missed games, ATL and DEN, Green would be on pace for 98 receptions, 1,534 yards and 10 TDs.

— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 25, 2014

This will be Green's fourth pro bowl roster.