Dez Bryant: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is set to miss the 2015 Pro Bowl game on Sunday due to a groin injury.
It is unclear how long Dez Bryant has been nursing the injury. However, this is the first time this season that it is being announced.
Although Dez Bryant's decision comes just a few days before the NFL's all star game at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ, many pundits have said it is not surprising.
Bryant has been in the headlines this week after the Cowboys' painful loss to the Green Bay Packers this past weekend. Bryant, whose catch was reversed after the play was challenged by the Packers' coach, later weighed in on the controversial call on his Twitter account.
"as I went to the ground I rolled over and I tipped the ball to gain better control," he wrote."We lost and I accept it but please change that rule."
The controversial play is unlikely to be the reason why Dex Bryant is opting not to play at the Pro Bowl. Pundits say the 26-year-old player, who has appeared in the last two Pro Bowls, may have chosen not to play in order to protect himself from an injury. Bryant is expected to go into negotiations for a new contract this offseason with the Cowboys and his fitness is crucial to getting the mega-deal he reportedly has planned.
Bryant has been at the peak of his career in the past 3 seasons. In the 2014 season, he received an impressive 88 passes for about 1,320 yards and made 16 touchdowns.
Since announcing his absence at the Pro Bowl, reports have emerged that Bryant will be replaced by Packers receiver Randall Cobb. Cobb, who has started just 16 games for the Packers this season, has received 91 passes for 1,287 yards and made 12 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Cowboys tight end Jason Written is set to replace Denver's Julius Thomas at the Pro Bowl. Thomas pulled out of the game with an injury to give way to Written to make his 10th Pro Bowl appearance.
In 2014, Written, who was playing his 12th season, made 64 catches for 703 yards and also recorded 5 touchdowns.
