JuJu Smith-Schuster named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate in place of Antonio Brown

As we get closer to the Pro Bowl, it is not unusual for some of the players selected to pull out of the game and it would appear that one of the first to withdraw themselves this year is Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. A decision the team confirmed on Monday.

Thankfully for fans disappointed to be losing a member of the Black and Gold from the week’s festivities, it turns out the next man up as the first choice alternate at wide receiver is JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Given the way the season ended, there are probably a number of fans who are happier to see the Steelers 2018 MVP in the Pro Bowl over the wide receiver who sat out Week 17 under questionable circumstances. But Smith-Schuster is clearly just pleased to be included, regardless of who had to step down to give him his place.

With the game almost three weeks away, it is interesting to note that Brown’s knee is still bothering him so much that he has been forced to announce his intention to sit out already. Fortunately, he should avoid a lot of negative media attention by staying away from the game, but only the cynical among us would suggest that was the real reason for his withdrawal.

The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.