Andy Dalton aiming for early return after thumb injury
By Ian O'Brien
The Bengals can breathe a huge sigh of relief after the latest news on Andy Dalton.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton suffered an injury to his right thumb, and the Bengals suffered a blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals’ championship hopes appeared to be dashed since Dalton was expected to be out for the season. However, the Bengals have caught a major break since Dalton is attempting to make a triumphant comeback. NFL Network Ian Rapoport revealed when the Bengals quarterback will try to come back.
#Bengals QB Andy Dalton won't have surgery on his injured thumb, source said. The hope is he's back for the playoffs. Depends how he heals.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2015
My understanding is, #Bengals QB Andy Dalton believes a week 17 return is possible. But it's a bone and one can't guess how it heals.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2015
The fact that Dalton will not go through surgery is an encouraging sign for the Bengals. It indicates that he will be able to return much sooner than expected, and this may be crucial since the Steelers have been on fire and are still making an AFC North title run. The Bengals are likely to make the playoffs since they already have 10 wins, but Dalton returning in Week 17 may allow them to secure a first-round bye.
Dalton has experienced the greatest season of his career and made the Bengals favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Bengals quarterback has thrown 25 touchdown passes with just seven interceptions for a 106.7 passer rating while completing 66.1 percent of his passes. This has helped the Bengals achieve a 10-3 record, but they will have to move on with A.J. McCarron as the starter for the time being.
McCarron will be making his first career start, as he has never been able to receive playing time while sitting on the bench behind Dalton. The Bengals drafted the former Alabama quarterback in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He looked somewhat shaky while filling in for Dalton. Fortunately, McCarron will have a relatively easy first test since the Bengals will be facing the San Francisco 49ers next.