/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58289305/usa_today_10466289.0.jpg)
We talked about how A.J. Green decided to forgo the Pro Bowl for the second straight season yesterday. It was confirmed today that Green is dealing with a minor knee injury.
Green not playing in Pro Bowl because of minor injury, but expected to be full go in April
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) January 11, 2018
It isn’t clear how Green suffered the injury, but it appears it isn’t something we should really worry about. Odds are it was something he picked up just from the regular wear and tear of working out and competing in the NFL for the season. It is just good that we will have him back for the start of the offseason workouts.
Green was only one of two Bengals to represent their team in the Pro Bowl this season. The only other selected to the initial roster was Geno Atkins. Vontaze Burfict and Clayton Fejedelem are currently alternates.
Green had a down year by his own standards, but he still reached the 1,000 yard receiving mark for the sixth time in his seven year career, and he scored eight touchdowns while doing it.
The dip could’ve been due to several things. Tyler Eifert didn’t play after Week 2, and that left Green as the only major threat on offense. Also the team fired Ken Zampese after Week 2, and Bill Lazor and the offense had to learn on the run with how to work Zampese’s offensive system.
Overall you can’t blame Green for passing on the opportunity. The Pro Bowl is more of an honor to be selected in than to ever participate in. The only cool things about it for the players are getting a vacation and meeting up with the other great players from around the league.
Bengals fans still have it fresh in their minds Eifert’s injury he suffered during the game, and that represents the worst case scenario for any player headed to Orlando this year. Personally, I’m glad I don’t have to worry about anything happening to Green this year.