Bengals' A.J. Green, Geno Atkins named to AFC Pro Bowl team

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green and defensive tackle Geno Atkins have been named to the 2012 AFC Pro Bowl team.

The Pro Bowl announcements were made Wednesday evening on the NFL Network.

Green, who was also named to the Pro Bowl last season, has recorded 95 receptions for 1,324 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season. Atkins has recorded 50 total tackles with 13 sacks and four forced fumbles. Both players graduated from the University of Georgia.

Atkins will make his second appearance in the Pro Bowl, but for the first time, he was a first-team selection. The defensive tackle is receiving recognition as one of the NFL's best defensive players.

“We’re happy for both guys; it’s a great honor from fellow players and coaches and the voting fans,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “They’ll represent us well if they’re in the game, but I have to add that it’s our goal to make them both unavailable [by the team advancing to the Super Bowl].”

Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham and tackle Andrew Whitworth were named as second-team alternates for the Pro Bowl squad, and quarterback Andy Dalton and cornerback Leon Hall are third-team alternates. There's a chance some of the alternates will play in Hawaii, depending on injuries to first-team selections.

The Pro Bowl is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2013. For the full roster for both teams, go to http://www.nfl.com/probowl/story/0ap1000000117432/article/2013-pro-bowl-rosters-afc-nfc .

The Bengals have clinched a playoff spot for the second year in a row and will play whichever team ends up as the 3-seed in the AFC.

The Bengals will finish their season Sunday, Dec. 30 at Paul Brown Stadium when they take on the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens.