New England Patriots

Browns TE Gary Barnidge named to Pro Bowl in place of Gronkowski

Published Jan. 25, 2016 10:41 p.m. ET

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The Cleveland Browns are sending a third player to Hawaii.

Tight end Gary Barnidge, originally named as a Pro Bowl alternate after a breakout season, will replace New England's Rob Gronkowski, who has been dealing with several injuries over the last month. In his eighth year in the league, Barnidge caught 79 passes for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns, totals that were all more than his previous seven seasons combined. He never had more than 13 receptions in a single season. 

Barnidge will join teammates Joe Thomas and Alex Mack in Sunday's game. The Pro Bowl draft will be held on Wednesday with captains Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin choosing the teams.

Barnidge received shoutouts from teammates Travis Benjamin and Craig Robertson on Twitter shortly after the announcement.

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