The New York Jets can thank the New England Patriots for getting another player to the Pro Bowl.
The Jets, who had no selections to the NFL’s annual All-Star game this year, will now send cornerback Antonio Cromartie to Hawaii. He’s taking the place of the Patriots’ Aqib Talib, who was injured in the AFC Championship Game and will not play out his pick, according to ESPN.
Cromartie is not the first Jet to make the trip this year — center Nick Mangold also was chosen as a late addition after the initial rosters were announced.
Talib hurt his knee and ribs Sunday on a hit from Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker that has drawn much scrutiny. He already was dealing with a lingering hip injury for most of the season.
This year’s Pro Bowl selection was a first for Talib, 27, who has always been a solid defender but really came into his own with the Patriots this season. He was New England’s go-to defensive back on man-to-man coverage, pulled in four interceptions and also was named a second team All-Pro.
