The Detroit Lions boast one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, as general manager Brad Holmes has done a masterful job building the team through the draft and utilizing free agency to patch up some holes. The Lions are 10-1 and atop the NFC North through 12 weeks and have won a league-high nine consecutive games. Detroit will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving day in Week 13.
With Detroit having an elite roster, the franchise is expected to have multiple players selected to the Pro Bowl. Voting for the Pro Bowl opened on Monday and will close on Dec.23. This season's Pro Bowl festivities will once again be held in Orlando, Florida, one week before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Though fan vote only accounts for 33% of the Pro Bowl voting, as players and coaches decide the other two-thirds of the vote, fans getting involved in the process of selecting players for the iconic game is great for the sport.
Fans will enjoy sending their favorite players to Orlando, but Lions Nation and other football fans won't be able to vote for edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson or wide receiver Jameson Williams on their Pro Bowl ballots in 2024.
Before suffering a season-ending leg injury, Hutchinson was playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level. The 2022 No.2 overall pick posted 7.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures in five games, but players on injured reserve who haven't played at least six games aren't eligible to make the Pro Bowl, meaning Hutchinson will not be a Pro Bowler this season.
Williams is having an explosive 2024 campaign, hauling in 29 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns. The 2022 first-round pick is second in the NFL in yards per catch (20.8) but is ineligible to make the Pro Bowl due to serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy on Oct.24. Players suspended specifically for performance-enhancing substance policy can't be selected to the Pro Bowl.
Though it is unfortunate that Hutchinson and Williams can't be Pro Bowlers in 2024, the pair have a bright future and should have plenty of opportunities in the future. Additionally, a trip to New Orleans to play in the Super Bowl triumphs a fun weekend in Orlando. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Oct.19 that Hutchinson has a "realistic chance" to return for the big game in February if the Lions win the NFC.
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