The Green Bay Packers' season might have ended, but some of the players have another "game" left to play -- the Pro Bowl. That list now includes left tackle David Bakhtiari, who joined the NFC squad as an alternate Monday.
While the Pro Bowl supposedly features the biggest stars in the NFL, a large swath of those selected chooses not to participate. Already, Packers guard T.J. Lang has pulled out of the game due to injuries. Their absences create spots for alternates such as Bakhtiari.
In his fourth season, Bakhtiari made the jump from starting-caliber left tackle to elite pass protector. His ability to hold the edge has played a significant role in the extended passing plays that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has made famous during 2016. Bakhtiari becomes the first Green Bay offensive tackle to appear in the Pro Bowl since Chad Clifton in 2010.
Just before the start of the 2016 season, Bakhtiari signed a four-year, $48 million extension. He turns 26 next September.