FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The NFL says Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie are subject to fines for missing Pro Bowl practice.
Both were missing Friday as the NFC all-stars prepared for Sunday's game, and the league said the absences were unexcused. Peppers is scheduled to start, and McKinnie is a backup.
Peppers' agent declined to explain his client's absence from practice. McKinnie's agent didn't respond to messages.
There was one change on the NFC roster: Panthers linebacker Jon Beason will replace the San Francisco 49ers' Patrick Willis, who's out because of a knee injury.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press