ASHBURN, Va. Marco Van Basten Soccer Jersey . -- London Fletcher might no longer be the NFLs Susan Lucci, having gone to the Pro Bowl as an alternate the past two years. Still, there was plenty of head-shaking in the Washington Redskins locker room Wednesday with the news the leagues leading tackler this year, and over his 13 seasons as a starter, was bypassed yet again by Pro Bowl voters. "Deep down inside, the players and coaches know what London brings to the table, they know what type of player he is, they know hes a Pro Bowl player and he deserves to be there," said outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, like Fletcher a Pro Bowl veteran of 2009 and 2010 and a first alternate this year. Unlike 2008 when Fletcher blasted his omission from the Pro Bowl, he was relatively calm Wednesday about being the first alternate behind San Franciscos Patrick Willis and Chicagos Brian Urlacher. "Im probably disappointed for maybe an hour or two when the results came out, but after that, (Im) thankful that Im playing at a high level, that people still consider me worthy of the Pro Bowl," said the 36-year-old Fletcher, who has 163 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and 1 1/2 sacks for the Redskins (5-10). "Ive done the stuff that I can do, I control what I can control. Im not surprised. "The bottom line is we need to win more games. Teams that win typically have more players in the Pro Bowl. All those personal accolades, at the end of the day, its all about your team goals and team accomplishments. Not making the Pro Bowl is not going to weigh into my decision making process (about re-signing with the Redskins). The organization, they all know how I feel about (being) here." Fletcher was at least as concerned about the lack of recognition for Lorenzo Alexander, the captain and top tackler for Washingtons kick coverage units -- the only ones in the NFC to rank in the top 10 on kickoffs and punts. But Alexander wasnt even the first alternate behind the Bears Corey Graham, the NFCs coverage player, although Mike Shanahan said hes never "been around a guy that has dominated more on special teams" during his 27 NFL seasons. "Theres only a couple of players in the league that will still go regardless of what their team is doing," said Alexander, whose 20 special teams tackles are nearly twice that of his closest teammate. "It is disappointing, but Im very happy for Corey. If anybody deserves to go, its him. Im still an alternate so who knows what can happen? "You just got to continue to work on your craft and become dominant to where its not even a question as to whether or not you should be there." Notes: The Redskins signed former Southern Cal running back Stafon Johnson to fill the practice squad vacancy opened by Tuesdays promotion of receiver Aldrick Robinson to take the roster spot of veteran running back Ryan Torain, who was released. The elevation of sixth-round selection Robinson means 10 of Washingtons 2011 draft picks are on the team and the other two are on injured reserve. The move also gave the Redskins nine receivers among 53 players. Roy Helu was still limited in Wednesdays practice with the toe and knee injuries that sidelined him for last weeks game with Minnesota. That could mean a second straight start for fellow rookie running back Evan Royster in Sundays season finale at Philadelphia. Shanahan knocked down rumours that John Beck, who went 0-3 at quarterback in Weeks 7-9, could get the nod against the Eagles. The coach said that Beck would only play if starter Rex Grossman were injured. Ron Vlaar Netherland Jersey . On one hand, hes the games best player. On the other, hes rarely impressed with himself. Even after a year like 2013 -- when a spectacular wedding, a second NBA championship and a fourth MVP award were among the many highlights enjoyed by the Miami Heat star -- he still is, as he puts it, striving for greatness. Robin van Persie Netherland Jersey .05 million, one-year contract, a raise of $300,000. Texas acquired Soto in a trade from the Chicago Cubs in July 2012.In another sign of the growing concern about head trauma in sports, the NHL and the U.S. ski team will each have at least one concussion expert at the Sochi Olympics. Dr. Jeff Kutcher, a Michigan-based neurologist, will be in one of two hockey arenas and the on-hill physician for three events on the slopes in Russia. U.S. ski team medical director Kyle Wilkens said Kutcher will be the associations first specialist evaluating and treating concussions during the Winter Olympics. "Its such a hot topic," Wilkens said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "Were trying to do the right thing with concussion, and thats why hes on board." Kutcher will also evaluate the neurological health of about 150 NHL players from all 12 countries in the Olympics. Dr. Ruben Echemendia, a neuropsychologist and chair of the NHLs concussion program, will also be at the Olympics -- a first for the league, according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly. The NHL isnt fond of freezing its league for two-plus weeks and putting their stars at risk for injuries at the Olympics, but the league and the NHL Players Association both have a degree of comfort knowing that Kutcher will be there. "Dr. Kutcher is well regarded in his field and has significant experience working with NHL players, so we are pleased he will be in Sochi and is willing to assist with our players while at the games," NHLPA executive director Don Fehr said. Kutcher said he is prepared to tell an athlete he or she cant go for a medal if they have a concussion at the Olympics. "At the end of the day the decisions that we make, we make irrespective of the situation -- we have to," Kutcher said in an interview with the AP. "The alternative is if I let somebody go down another run or participate in a hockey game while theyre injured and that injury leads to a more significant injury, it could be life-changing in the negative. Thats what I have to worry about." International Olympic Committee medical director Dr. Richaard Budgett is glad Kutcher will be there, too. Dennis Bergkamp World Cup Jersey. "I havent heard of any other country sending a specialist such as a neurologist," Budgett told the AP in a telephone interview. "But its good that theyve got a specialist coming out because theres a lot of interest in monitoring concussions. The Olympics are like a fish bowl -- with everybody watching -- so its great that he will be able to raise awareness and show that were taking the health of our athletes seriously." Kutcher appears to be highly qualified for his pressure-packed role this month. The NBA named him director of its concussion program more than two years ago. Kutcher said he evaluates players from the NBA, NHL and NFL "all the time." The NCAA has used his expertise to help shape its concussion policies. Kutchers day job is working as an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan, where he is a physician for the schools athletic teams and director of its NeuroSport Program. Wilkens said Kutcher, who has helped the U.S. ski team with its concussion policy, will be the on-hill physician for skicross along with snowboardings parallel giant slalom and parallel slalom. Kutcher will also care for other U.S. athletes as needed, according to Wilkens. "His primary responsibility is with us, but if a slider gets a concussion, for example, Jeff will be there to help," Wilkens said. "For the two weeks, were all a part of Team USA." Kutcher has diagnosed numerous athletes with concussions over the years, telling them they cant compete until he clears them. Kutcher, though, hasnt had to dash anyones dreams of winning Olympic gold. "I do feel a little bit of pressure," he said. "I understand the gravity of the situation and needing to first and foremost do my job as a neurologist regardless of setting or scenario. It doesnt matter if its a training run or a gold-medal run or any scenario at all. It is the health of the athletes that Im there for." cheap jerseys ' ' '
