Andrew Whitworth added to 2017 NFL Pro Bowl

The Bengals have another late addition to the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl.

On Wednesday, the team announced that left tackle Andrew Whitworth had been added to the 2017 Pro Bowl. He replaces Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn, who is bowing out due to injury.

Whitworth, who just finished his 11th NFL season, started every game in 2016, 15 of which came at left tackle. He also started Week 16 at left guard, while filling in for the injured Clint Boling.

Even with the temporary switch, as well as the Bengals offensive line struggling as a unit this season, Whitworth was still among the game’s best left tackles. He finished second among offensive tackle in PFF’s rankings.

This is good news for Whitworth as he gets set to hit NFL free agency. Coming off a trip to the Pro Bowl should give him a little added value as he tests the market. That is, unless the Bengals re-sign him before he can.

The expectation has been Cincinnati will re-sign him, but if they let him test the market, you can bet at least one other team will be willing to throw a large contract at him.

This will be Whitworth’s third appearance in the Pro Bowl. He joins defensive end Carlos Dunlap and defensive tackle Geno Atkins as Bengals currently slated to play in the game. A.J. Green originally made the game, but will not play due to his hamstring injury.

The 2017 Pro Bowl will be played on Sun., Jan. 29, televised on ESPN at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.