Dillon Goes to Pro Bowl

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —  For the second time this week, a New England player has gotten a belated Pro Bowl invitation.

Running back Corey Dillon was chosen Friday for the AFC squad, joining linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who learned Wednesday night he was Honolulu-bound. The other Patriots selected for the Pro Bowl are quarterback Tom Brady, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, kicker Adam Vinatieri and special-team player Larry Izzo.

When he played for Cincinnati, Dillon was chosen to three consecutive Pro Bowl teams, from 1999 through 2001. This season, he was an alternate who was added to the team after Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James announced he would skip the game because of a back injury.

Dillon set the New England season rushing record with a career-high 1,635 yards.

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Never bet against the Patriots in February.

In NFL history, there have been only two games played in February, aside from the Pro Bowl. The Patriots won them both.

Three years ago, on Feb. 3, New England beat St. Louis in the Super Bowl, 20-17. And the Patriots won their second championship last Feb. 1 with a 32-29 victory over Carolina.

Philadelphia has never played a February game, and, despite three consecutive strong seasons, has had problems lasting until mid-January.

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If the Patriots see Terrell Owens take the field Sunday, they’ll be prepared to see him at his best.

“He’s not going to be out there on crutches,” Patriot Coach Bill Belichick said. “If he’s out there, he’s going to be able to run and play. Whether we can cover him or not, that remains to be seen. But they’re not going to put the guy out there in a wheelchair.”

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The Patriots signed guard Billy Yates from the practice squad, filling the last remaining open spot on their active roster. Yates, 24, has played in three NFL games in his career.