Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas was named to the Pro Bowl, one of three safeties named to the team.

Thomas is the first Seattle Seahawk named to the Pro Bowl since 2008 when the linebacker Julian Peterson and offensive tackle Walter Jones were named Pro Bowlers. Jones did not play in that game because of a knee injury.

That doesn't mean Thomas is the only Seahawk who will be appearing in the game. A number of alternates will be included in the game as players drop out because of injury.

For instance, Matt Forte is one of the three running backs named to the team along with Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy and San Francisco's Frank Gore. Forte was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of a knee injury, which could open up a spot.

Kam Chancellor, Seahawks strong safety, said he was named the first alternate at his position via Twitter.