The Cincinnati Bengals had hoped that quarterback Andy Dalton would be healthy in time for the NFL playoffs. However, it looks like they won't get their wish, as backup quarterback A.J. McCarron will be getting another start after Dalton was officially ruled out for Saturday's first-round game against Pittsburgh.
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Bengals officially rule out Andy Dalton for Saturday's game vs Steelers. AJ McCarron will start for Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/sQCZyHhTg5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 8, 2016
Dalton has been out ever since he broke the thumb on his throwing hand in a game against Pittsburgh in December. McCarron has started the three games since, leading the Bengals to a 2-1 record in those three games.
The optimism around Dalton's recovering in time started earlier this week, when Dalton had the cast removed from his right hand. Unfortunately for the Bengals, it does not look like their star quarterback has recovered in time for their first playoff game.