Bengals A.J. McCarron has sprained wrist, could play Sunday

By John Buhler | Dec 29, 2015

Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) prepares to pass in the pocket in a overtime period against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback A.J. McCarron suffered a sprained wrist in Monday night’s loss to the Denver Broncos, but he could play on Sunday.

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback A.J. McCarron is dealing with a sprained wrist injury, but since McCarron did not break a bone in his hand, he could play on Sunday for the Bengals.

Source: #Bengals QB AJ McCarron suffered a sprained wrist. No fracture. Still a chance he plays Sunday. So, good news after his MRI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2015

Though the Bengals lost in overtime on Monday Night Football to the Denver Broncos in Week 16, 20-17, Cincinnati did clinch the AFC North Division title for the second year in a row. The Bengals will play in their fourth straight AFC Playoffs in 2015, but still have the longest active postseason win drought in the NFL, going on 27 years.

Cincinnati enters Week 17’s home game against the Baltimore Ravens with an 11-4 record and are still in play for a first round bye with a win over Baltimore on Sunday. However, that would require the 4-11 San Diego Chargers to beat the Broncos at Mile High on Sunday, not a likely scenario.

The Bengals may have the most complete roster of any team in the AFC, but have had their issues with quarterback injuries over the last month. Starter Andy Dalton broke his thumb in Week 14’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. McCarron took over for Dalton in Week 14 and is 1-1 as a starter since taking over Week 15.

Dalton will likely be out until the AFC Divisional Round, assuming that the Bengals get there. Cincinnati likely going to finish in third place in the AFC and will host either the Steelers, the Kansas City Chiefs, or the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round.

If McCarron cannot go in Week 17’s home game against the Ravens, then third-stringer Keith Wenning will have to lead the Bengals on Sunday in their 2015 regular season finale. Assuming his wrist improves, McCarron should start again for the Bengals on Sunday and in the Wild Card game on in two weekends.

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