It’s fitting that Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil is replacing Redskins left tackle Trent Williams in the Pro Bowl. Williams, like former Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie, has been pulled from the Pro Bowl.
Technically, Williams is injured. According to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in D.C., the injury was sustained during a fight, and Williams required stitches. The specific circumstances of the fight are not yet known.
We’ve asked the Redskins for more information, but the team is deferring comment to the NFL.
After the Redskins’ playoff loss to the Seahawks, Williams hit Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman in the face with an open hand. Williams was fined $7,875.
Three years ago, McKinnie was booted from the Miami Pro Bowl after not showing up for practice the Friday before the game. He forfeited his $22,500 game check, and he was required to reimburse the NFL nearly $4,300 in expenses.
UPDATE 9:09 p.m. ET: Williams is viewed as the “victim” of the altercation. He will attend the Pro Bowl but not play.