On the NFC roster for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, quarterback Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks will take Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams’ spot.
Stafford withdrew from the event without providing a reason, although it is most likely because of an injury. Stafford was observed to be uncomfortable after suffering a hand injury during the Wild Card Round loss to the Detroit Lions.
Four Rams players were selected for the Pro Bowl; however, Aaron Donald withdrew due to an unidentified ailment, leaving Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams on the roster.
Stafford has only been selected to three Pro Bowls, and this will be the second time he will miss the weekend’s games. Stafford was selected for the first time in 2021, but he was unable to play since Los Angeles was participating in Super Bowl LVI.
The 2023 season got out to a poor start for Stafford, but in the second half of the season, he settled into his throwing rhythm and guided the Rams to the postseason. During his 15 game career, Stafford completed 3,965 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Smith is one of three Seahawks who were added to the NFC roster as substitutes in the meantime. DK Metcalf, who takes Mike Evans’ place, and Nick Bellore, who takes Jalen Reeves-Maybin’s place, join Smith.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys decided not to participate in the festivities, so Stafford is not the first quarterback in the NFC to step aside. Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took his place.
On Thursday, the 2024 Pro Bowl Games began with a variety of skill-based activities. David Njoku was the opponent Nacua faced in the “Best Catch” competition as the NFC’s representative. Smith, Jalen Hurts, and Mayfield took part in the “Precision Passing” challenge in the meanwhile.
Sunday is the Pro Bowl Games finale with a game of flag football. It will feature four 12-minute quarters and at the end points will be tallied from all the challenges to determine the winning conference.
Stafford’s presence during the weekend will be missed, but the most important thing is to make sure that the veteran is 100 percent healthy for the 2024 season.
Following a season marred by injuries in 2022, Stafford had a breakout year in 2023. Stafford missed the rest of the previous season due to a spine contusion, but this year he demonstrated that he was fully recovered.
Stafford’s efforts earned him a spot on the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award finalist list.
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