Andy Dalton’s Cast Off, But Bengals Prepping AJ McCarron For Wild Card Game

We might see Andy Dalton in the NFL playoffs.

The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback got his cast off Monday after suffering a broken thumb Dec. 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN’s Coley Harvey reported Tuesday. However, the team isn’t sure if Dalton will start Saturday’s wild-card game against the Steelers.

“We’re preparing for AJ McCarron to be the starting quarterback,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters Tuesday. “Whether Andy’s the backup or where Andy is (later in the week), we’ll know down the line.

“Andy continues to progress well. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. … He’ll be ready when he’s ready.”

Dalton hasn’t moved his thumb in almost a month, so he plans to wait until the team doctors give him the green light.

“I’m doing treatments and rehab and trying to get back as soon as I can,” Dalton said, per Harvey. “I’m going to let this process take care of itself and keep working and try to get back as soon as I can.”

McCarron has thrown for 832 yards and six touchdowns to two interceptions in four games while filling in for Dalton. He has a 2-1 record in three starts.

If the Bengals defeat the Steelers on Saturday, they’ll face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in the AFC divisional round.

Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images