Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has become the third San Francisco 49ers player to earn a trip to this year's Pro Bowl, the team announced on Tuesday. Buckner, who will be a reserve, replaces Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who is unable to participate due to an injury he suffered on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
This will be Buckner's first trip to the Pro Bowl. The NFL's annual all-star game will take place on January 27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Buckner will join the two teammates who were selected to the Pro Bowl in December — fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who will start, and tight end George Kittle, who was named a reserve. Buckner was initially named as an alternate on the NFC squad behind Cox, Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams, and Akiem Hicks of the Chicago Bears. He was also passed up when the All-Pro selections were announced.
Juszczyk was surprised Buckner's name was not among those during the initial announcement.
"I thought he was a shoo-in," Juszczyk said during a 95.7 The Game interview last month. "I thought there's no chance he didn't make it because I think he's extremely deserving. I mean, his numbers absolutely say it but you just watch any Niners game, you just see how he can take over on the defensive line."
Buckner finished the 2018 season with a career-high 12 sacks to go along with his 67 combined tackles and three passes defensed. He became the first 49ers player since 2012 to have 10-or-more sacks in a single season.
The 49ers made Buckner, who played college football at Oregon, the No. 7 overall pick in 2016. This past season was his third in the NFL.