Aaron Rodgers Bows out of Pro Bowl Due to Multiple Injuries

Citing injuries to "multiple lower extremities," Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has pulled out of the 2013 NFL Pro Bowl, according to the Green Bay Post-Gazette. The Packers signal-caller announced his decision on his ESPN Milwaukee radio show on Tuesday.

UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6:06 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

The man replacing Aaron Rodgers in the Pro Bowl will be none other than—wait for it—Eli Manning (via the New York Giants' official Twitter account):

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QB Eli Manning will be replacing Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in this years Pro Bowl

— New York Giants (@Giants) January 15, 2013"

On the season, Manning completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 3,948 yards, 26 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

---End of update--- 

Here is Rodgers' exact quote, via the Post-Gazette: "I didn’t pass my physical. I don’t want to get into too much of the details."

He later went on to cite a bothersome ankle as part of the reason for his absence, and ESPN's Jason Wilde later Tweeted that Rodgers received an injection in his knee on Tuesday:

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#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said after his radio show ended that he received an injection in his knee today. Had also mentioned ankle on air.

— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) January 15, 2013"

As anyone who saw the Packers play this season can attest, Rodgers didn't have the easiest time standing in the pocket. Green Bay's offensive line struggled to protect its quarterback, allowing 51 sacks, which was the second-worst of any team in the league this season.

Despite his offensive line struggles, Rodgers still managed to put together a scintillating campaign. He threw for 4,295 yards and 39 touchdowns against eight interceptions, all while keeping the offense afloat during long stretches without Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson.

Though it's hard to question his injuries, one has to wonder whether Rodgers is all that disappointed about missing the Pro Bowl. Rodgers told the Green Bay Post-Gazette in December that he noticed a stark lack of effort from both sides during last year's game and wondered whether the Pro Bowl was even still a worthwhile venture.

Either way, Rodgers won't be in the lineup for the NFC—much to the dismay of the many fans who voted him into the contest. 

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