Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long and wide receiver Brandon Marshall have been selected to the 2012 AFC Pro Bowl team, with Long earning a starter’s nod and Marshall chosen as a reserve.

It’s unlikely Long, who has struggled with various injuries this season, will play in the game. Marshall, who has played in the Pro Bowl two previous times while with the Denver Broncos, will be in the game for the first time representing Miami.

“This selection is special, considering the struggles we had this season,” Marshall said in a statement released by the team. “I appreciate the fans who voted for me, and it means a great deal that I also was voted to the Pro Bowl by the people who know the most about the game — the players and the coaches.

“I also want to thank my teammates, because football is the ultimate team game and I couldn’t have performed at the level I did without their help.”

Marshall leads the Dolphins with 77 receptions, 1,177 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. The annual contest matching the AFC and NFC will be played Jan. 29 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.