Two additional Dallas Cowboys stars decline Pro Bowl invitation

Dallas Cowboys offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Zach Martin have both opted out of the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken. With quarterback Dak Prescott also opting out, the team will have four players participating in the game.

Both Tyron Smith and Zach Martin have dealt with injuries over recent seasons but have returned to their Pro Bowl levels this season as the Cowboys made some noise in the NFC before losing in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. The NFL will announce replacements for the two from across the NFC before next week’s festivities in Las Vegas.

Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb was named as an alternate according to an earlier report, meaning the total number of Cowboys players to make the Pro Bowl is now seven, but four have chosen to opt out. Prescott would have made it seven, had he accepted the invite. Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Bryan Anger were all selected to the Pro Bowl previously.

Dallas Cowboys fans will get one last opportunity to watch their stars who have not opted out as the Pro Bowl takes place on Feb. 6 in Las Vegas.

Dak Prescott opts out of Pro Bowl

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott revealed a surprising decision he made regarding the NFL Pro Bowl, according to a report Monday. As Pro Bowl alternate players revealed, Prescott reportedly passed on the selection for the Pro Bowl to allow himself additional time to recover from injuries.

The news that Prescott passed on being a potential alternate for the Pro Bowl might initially sting Cowboys fans, but the decision to focus on his health appears to be a good sign for his future. Prescott’s return from a terrible injury to his right ankle and lengthy recovery process has been a hot topic among NFL and Cowboys fans during the 2021 season.

Prescott’s ankle never appeared to be an issue, but the quarterback suffered a handful of other injuries during the preseason and regular season that caused him to struggle at times. With a disappointing end to their playoff aspirations, Prescott appears to have already shut down his football season and has no interest in the exhibition game.

Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks and Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings named as the alternates for the NFC team, along with Lamb and others in the first round of opt outs.