Green Bay Packers rookie Eddie Lacy has been brought in as a Pro Bowl replacement for injured Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
Peterson struggled with foot and groin injuries this season, and has decided that giving his body some time to heal and rest is the best option, rather than play in the season-ending matchup.
First-year back Lacy rushed for over 1,100 yards in his debut campaign with the Packers, scoring 11 touchdowns.
On being replaced, Peterson admitted: "Deion Sanders being involved is the only thing I was going to regret. Not the cash, not winning the Pro Bowl, not winning MVP. That's the only thing I was going to regret - not getting the chance to line up against Deion."
Sanders is a former NFL cornerback and one of the Pro Bowl team captains this year. His 16-year career ended in 2005, but he hinted that he might make a one-off return during next week's game.
Joe McPhee
