Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark had to turn down an opportunity to replace Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed in the 2013 Pro Bowl on Monday due to the severe quad contusion that he suffered in the season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Clark posted the news on his Twitter account Monday evening: “Got the call for the Pro bowl today. I can\’t play but thank you to everyone who voted for me. I really appreciate it!”
https://twitter.com/RealRClark25/status/293549961528868865
Clark was named as a Pro Bowl alternate at safety a few weeks ago after registering 102 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed and 5 run stuffs during the 2012 season. It would have been the second consecutive appearance in the annual All-Star game for Clark, who replaced Reed in the Pro Bowl last year.
With Clark unable to step in as the alternate for Reed this year, the NFL announced on Monday that Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd has been added to the AFC roster.
Clarks was hospitalized overnight as a precaution following the win over the Browns. He was released the next day and is expected to make a full recovery by the time training camp rolls around.
