First rookie of year, now Pro Bowler

The Green Bay Packers have a Pro Bowler … for now.

Running back Eddie Lacy, who was named the NFL’s rookie of the year Tuesday, will now replace Adrian Peterson at the Pro Bowl on Jan. 26.

The Minnesota Vikings running back can’t participate because of an injury.

Lacy, himself, may not be able to participate, as well, because of his injured left ankle. But as of now, he’s part of the Pro Bowl draft that will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 22.

Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders will be team captains and draft from the pool of 88 players selected with no regard to who is in the AFC or NFC. 

Lacy is now part of this draft, the only selection from the Packers.

Lacy set franchise-rookie records this season for rushing yards (1,178), rushing touchdowns (11) and rushing attempts (284). He tied the team’s rookie mark for 100-yard rushing games at four. 

Lacy is the first Packers running back since Ahman Green in 2004 to go to the Pro Bowl and the first Green Bay rookie running back since John Brockington in 1971.

Lacy says he sees the Pro Bowl as an opportunity to thank his teammates and coaches for helping with his accomplishments on the field this past season.