Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward going to Pro Bowl after all

Joe Rutter
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 4:45 p.m. | Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 4:45 p.m.

Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward celebrates with coach Mike Tomlin after their 39-38 victory over the Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, at Heinz Field.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

The Steelers' Cameron Heyward puts a hit on Texans running back Lamar Miller in the second quarter Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

The Steelers' Cameron Heyward hits Texans quarterback T.J. Yates after he fumbled in the fourth quarter Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Cameron Heyward is going to the Pro Bowl after all.

The Steelers defensive end, who was snubbed from the team in voting despite a career-high 12 sacks, was named as a Pro Bowl replacement Tuesday when Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Khalil Mack withdrew from the game because of an injury.

Heyward already was named to the first-team AP All-Pro list, which is considered a more prestigious designation than the Pro Bowl.

Heyward's 12 sacks were the second-most by a Steelers defensive lineman since 1982, when the stat became officially recognized by the NFL.

Other Steelers players previously selected for the Pro Bowl were quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le'Veon Bell, guard David DeCastro, center Maurkice Pouncey, tackle Alejandro Villanueva, wide receiver Antonio Brown, kicker Chris Boswell and linebacker Ryan Shazier.

The game will be be played Jan. 28 in Orlando, Fla.

Mike Tomlin and his Steelers assistants will coach the AFC team.

Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at jrutter@tribweb.com or via Twitter @tribjoerutter.