The Cincinnati Bengals ruled out quarterback Andy Dalton for Saturday’s wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Fox Sports, Dalton is still recovering from a broken thumb on his throwing hand which he suffered in mid December. He has made some progress and took part in some team activities this week. On Monday, the cast that was around his right hand was removed.
Dalton led the Bengals to a 10-2 record before he suffered the injury. He threw for 3,250 yards, 25 touchdowns and had seven interceptions this season, Sports Illustrated notes. Backup quarterback AJ McCarron will remain the Bengals quarterback for now. McCarron has thrown for 832 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Bengals go 2-1 since filling in for Dalton, according to ESPN.
The Steelers will also be without one player on Saturday. Running back DeAngelo Williams has been ruled out for Saturday’s game. Williams is out with a foot injury. He rushed for 907 yards on 200 touches and had 11 rushing touchdowns, NFL.com notes.
If the Bengals win on Saturday then McCarron will be the first NFL quarterback to win a playoff game with three or less previous starts since 1979. The team hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991.