Browns rookie LT Thomas named to Pro Bowl roster

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns rookie left tackle Joe Thomas was added Tuesday to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, replacing Jason Peters of the Buffalo Bills.

Peters injured his groin during the Bills' game against the New York Giants in Week 16 and missed the regular-season finale at Philadelphia.

Thomas, the third overall selection in last year's draft, started all 16 games for the Browns and was part of an offensive line that allowed only 19 sacks, the third-fewest in franchise history.

"Going to the Pro Bowl is a well-deserved honor for Joe (Thomas)," said Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager, Phil Savage. "He had an impressive rookie season and we only expect him to get better in the future."

Other Pro Bowlers for the Browns include receiver Braylon Edwards and kick returner Joshua Cribbs. Three others -- guard Eric Steinbach, quarterback Derek Anderson and tight end Kellen Winslow -- remain first alternates.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Thomas is the first Browns' offensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl since Cody Risien following the 1987 season.

"I am thrilled to be selected for the Pro Bowl and for the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the NFL," said Thomas. "I understand that being selected as an alternate means that someone else could not attend, so I wish the best for Jason Peters. But this is truly an honor and I will do my best to represent the Browns and the AFC in Hawaii."

The Browns improved from 4-12 in 2006 to 10-6 last season, just missing the playoffs.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report