Carolina Panthers end up with two Pro Bowl participants

Carolina Panthers have only two players in Orlando for the Pro Bowl this season.

Two Carolina Panthers, linebacker Luke Kuechly and guard Trai Turner were initially named to the Pro Bowl when rosters were announced back in December. However, injuries and the risk of being injured, both cause players to decline an invitation, in addition to players who are participating in the Super Bowl – the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, this season.

After all of the shuffling, additional invitations are extended to fill the rosters and ensure fans traveling to see the game are given a good show. For the third consecutive season all festivities take place in Orlando with the game being played at Camping World Stadium.

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Kuechly declined his invitation after becoming the only player in franchise history to reach the game in six different seasons. His concussion history warrants electing not to participate in an exhibition with no real value for the players. Yes, fans get to see a lot of their favorite stars on the field but many have been opting out in recent years.

This year, a third of the Pro Bowl rosters have been replaced with alternates. Kuechly was replaced by Leighton Vander Esch of the Dallas Cowboys but the changes did grant another Carolina member an opportunity.

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald is participating in the Super Bowl as a member of the Rams and Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short is taking his place. The second Pro Bowl for Short, he recorded 42 tackles and three sacks in 14 games this season.

Short joins Turner, who was elected to his fourth consecutive game, as the only two members of the Panthers who will be present in Orlando.

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The Pro Bowl kicks off on Sunday, January 27 at 3:00pm ET.

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