New England Patriots
2009 STATS
Att565Comp371Yds4312TD28Int13Rat96.2Brady is the third New England Patriots player to pull out of the game, joining receivers Randy Moss (undisclosed injury) and Wes Welker (knee injuries).
The nature of the injury was not disclosed, but Brady is known to have injuries to his right shoulder, ribs and a finger on his right hand. The move does not come as a surprise. Brady hinted at possibly not playing in the game in comments after the Patriots' wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Brady will be replaced on the roster by Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub.
Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers was the first Pro Bowl alternate to replace Brady. But team doctors recommended Roethlisberger turn down the invite until he was fully recovered.
Roethlisberger hurt his right shoulder in Pittsburgh's regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins. The injury will not require surgery.
"His shoulder was not 100 percent from our final game in Miami," Steelers head of public relations Dave Lockett said. "Our doctors and trainers have recommended that he should allow it to heal 100 percent."
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has also been added to the AFC roster. The other AFC quarterbacks scheduled to play in the game are Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers.
The Patriots still will be represented at the Pro Bowl on Jan. 31 in Miami -- by offensive lineman Logan Mankins, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork and safety Brandon Meriweather.
Fabiano ruled outNew England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sits out practice; rib injury disclosed
