Inside linebacker London Fletcher will make his second straight Pro Bowl appearance. (Photo: Jay Westcott)

The Washington Redskins announced this morning that linebackers London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo have been formally added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster and will join teammate DeAngelo Hall in representing their team and conference.

Hall was an original member of the NFC Pro Bowl roster, but Orakpo and Fletcher were both named first alternates.

Fletcher now makes the squad at middle linebacker because Chicago's Brian Urlacher suffered a mild injury in the NFC title game and will not be able to participate in the Pro Bowl this Sunday in Hawaii.

Orakpo gets the nod because Green Bay's Clay Matthews is headed for the Super Bowl. With the Pro Bowl now being played the week before the championship game, Super Bowl participants no longer take part in the league's all-star game. So that created the spot for Orakpo.

It is the second straight trip to the Pro Bowl for both Fletcher and Orakpo.

Fletcher this past season led the Redskins with 188 tackles and also had 2.5 sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (a career high). He is currently tied for the longest active consecutive games streak (208) in the NFL. Tampa Bay's Ronde Barber and Indianapolis' Peyton Manning also have played in 208 straight games.

“I am extremely honored to play in the Pro Bowl,” Fletcher said in a press release issued by the Redskins. “I am very excited to make the trip to Hawaii. I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches, fans and everyone else who played a part in getting me here.”

Orakpo this past season led the Redskins with 8.5 sacks. He also recorded 78 tackles, one forced fumble and 47 quarterback hurries. Orakpo made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but last year the game was played in Miami. He said the chance to go to Hawaii makes the honor even more special.

“It’s great to get to go to the Pro Bowl again in just my second season in the league,” Orakpo said. “I am excited about going to Hawaii, where the Pro Bowl has been for so many years. Last year was fun, but it will be special getting to play in Hawaii. I want to thank all my teammates and coaches for helping me get here, and I also want to thank all of the fans who voted for me.”