Not long after the last piece of confetti fell following the conclusion of Sunday night’s NFC title game, Jerry Greene of ESPN.com’s Page 2 raised a great point regarding two of the Pro Bowlers from the losing team.
Will Vikings quarterback Brett Favre and running back Adrian Peterson show up for the Pro Bowl?
We think the question should be extended to the other eight Vikings players as well.
After the physically and emotionally draining experience in New Orleans, it’s highly unlikely that any of them will want to get back on the horse so quickly with a flight from Minnesota to Miami for Pro Bowl practices and, ultimately, one more game.
Favre’s ankle is obviously messed up, so he won’t be playing. As a result, the NFC team will have to replace both Favre and Saints quarterback Drew Brees. (Get ready for the phone to ring, Jason Campbell.)
Guard Steve Hutchinson was missing at one point during the second half, which likely means he is injured. Which likely means he won’t be going, either.
Defensive tackle Kevin Williams was questionable for Sunday’s game with a knee injury. So look for him to take a pass, too.
Cornerback Antoine Winfield, who has a lingering foot problem, was off the field at times on Sunday. So he probably won’t be there, either.
Thus, with six Saints now out of the mix, look for multiple Vikings to not show up, either.