Super Bowl week always reshapes the Pro Bowl. In 2026, that impact feels bigger than ever. With the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks preparing for Super Bowl 60, plus multiple injury withdrawals, the NFL has turned heavily to alternates to fill the league’s all-star showcase.
The result is a Pro Bowl roster that still features elite talent. But it also highlights how the modern format, scheduling, and injury management continue to reshape the event’s identity during the busiest week of the NFL calendar.
Super Bowl Focus and Injuries Trigger Massive Alternate Shuffle
The biggest driver of replacements is simple. Super Bowl preparation comes first. Seattle led the NFL with six Pro Bowl selections. None are participating as they prepare for the championship. The Patriots also lost initial selections like Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez for the same reason.
Injuries added another layer. Several stars declined invites to recover. That forced the league to activate alternates across multiple positions, especially quarterback, defensive back, and tight end.
Below is the complete known list of Pro Bowl alternates announced so far.
AFC Pro Bowl Alternate Replacements
- Devin Lloyd → replaces T.J. Watt
- Shedeur Sanders → replaces Drake Maye
- Joe Flacco → replaces Josh Allen
- Tee Higgins → replaces Zay Flowers
- Dalton Kincaid → replaces Travis Kelce
- Tyler Warren → replaces Brock Bowers
- Kamari Lassiter → replaces Christian Gonzalez
- Calen Bullock → replaces Jalen Ramsey
- Joe Burrow → replaces Justin Herbert
Notably, Cincinnati gains major representation. Burrow, Flacco, and Higgins all step into the event. Flacco’s selection at age 41 is especially notable. It marks a rare late-career first Pro Bowl appearance.
Sanders’ addition also stands out. The rookie Browns QB is in the Pro Bowl despite an underwhelming rookie season, and the league’s decision to add him surprised many. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, Sanders ranked 46th in the league among quarterbacks in the league and had an impact score of 56.9 with an F grade.
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NFC Pro Bowl Alternate Replacements
- Jake Ferguson → replaces George Kittle
- Nahshon Wright → replaces Quinyon Mitchell
- Keisean Nixon → replaces Devon Witherspoon
- Jared Goff → replaces Sam Darnold
- CeeDee Lamb → replaces Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Jalen Hurts → replaces Matthew Stafford
The NFC replacements heavily reinforce offensive firepower. Goff, Hurts, and Lamb ensure the conference still features elite production at premium positions.
What These Changes Could Mean Moving Forward
The Pro Bowl is evolving. The shift to flag football and skills competitions has already changed participation dynamics. Now, Super Bowl week scheduling adds another layer of complexity.
For now, the Pro Bowl remains a talent showcase. Even with replacements, the rosters still reflect the NFL’s elite tier. Pro Bowl Games kick off on Tuesday, February 3, at 8 p.m. ET.
And as Super Bowl 60 approaches, the bigger picture is clear. The Lombardi Trophy will always come first. The Pro Bowl will continue adapting around it.
