The Los Angeles Rams can add one more player to their 2018 Pro Bowl roster — long snapper Jake McQuaide. McQuaide will join running back Todd Gurley, punter Johnny Hekker, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and wide receiver Pharoh Cooper in representing the franchise at the NFL's annual all-star game in January.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and kicker Greg Zuerlein were also selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl, but will not participate due to injury.
The Ohio State product — who will play in the All-Star game for the second-consecutive time — became the first long snapper in franchise history to receive Pro Bowl honors last season.
McQuaide has been an instrumental member of the Rams special teams' unit for the past seven years, playing in all 16 of the Rams games this season. The seven-year NFL vet, initiated the snap on all of Hekker's 65 punts, Zuerlein and Sam Ficken's 42 field goals (40 successful) and 51 point after attempt kicks (41 converted).
The Cincinnati native was chosen by New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton as a "need" player for the Pro Bowl roster. (Payton's staff will coach in the NFL's annual All-Star game.) The NFL stipulates that the head coach of each team chooses a "need" player, and those players must be long snappers.
The 2018 NFL Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 28 and televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
