ATLANTA – The Falcons (13-2) are the NFC’s top team but only placed three players on the NFL’s all-star squad. By contrast the 49ers (10-4-1), who have the third-best record in the NFC, had nine players named to the team and the Chiefs (2-13) have five representatives on the AFC squad.

Tony Gonzalez was named a starter for the NFC squad, while Matt Ryan and Roddy Jones are reserves.

The game is Jan. 27 in Hawaii, the week prior to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

But if the Falcons feel slighted by not getting more players voted to the Pro Bowl squad they are not showing it.

“I know there are teams with far worse records than we had and they had more guys in the Pro Bowl, but that’s how it goes,” Gonzalez said.

“Who cares? Our goal is to play in a different bowl, not the bowl in Hawaii.”

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PATRIOTS: The team activated defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham from his four-game suspension and released defensive lineman Ron Brace. The Patriots also signed wide receiver Kamar Aiken and defensive back Malcolm Williams to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.

COWBOYS: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware will wear a brace on his injured right shoulder and his plays will be limited Sunday night in a do-or-die game at Washington.

The brace will help prevent Ware’s shoulder from popping out when he extends his arm forward. Ware didn’t wear a shoulder brace in last Sunday’s loss to New Orleans. He had to leave the game late in the third quarter and returned for only one play in overtime.

Ware will also continue to wear a brace on his right arm that helps provide support for his hyperextended right elbow.

Ware didn’t practice all week, but he said Friday that he’s going to play Sunday night. He’s listed as probable.

STEELERS: Former Pittsburgh center and coach Chuck Cherundolo died in Florida at the age of 96.


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