Julius Peppers, Bryant McKinnie subject to fines for absences from Pro Bowl practice

Peppers, McKinnie miss Pro Bowl practice

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The NFL says Pro Bowl players Julius Peppers and Bryant McKinnie are subject to fines for missing practice.

Both were missing Friday as the NFC all-stars prepared for Sunday’s game, and the league said the absences were unexcused. The Panthers’ Peppers is to start at end, and the Vikings’ McKinnie is a backup tackle.

There was one change on the NFC roster: Panthers linebacker Jon Beason will replace the 49ers’ Patrick Willis, out with a knee injury. More than a dozen players have been scratched since the teams were announced.

Peppers’ agent declined to explain his client’s absence from practice. McKinnie’s agent didn’t respond to messages.