Andy Dalton Injury: Updates on Bengals QB's Thumb and Return

Tim DanielsDec 13, 2015

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is dealing with a broken thumb he suffered in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is unclear when he will return to the field.

Continue for updates.

Dalton Out vs. Steelers

Saturday, Jan. 9

Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Dalton will be inactive against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Dalton may not play next week either, should the Bengals advance, as he has not thrown yet.

On Dec. 16, Ed Werder of ESPN reported Bengals expected Dalton to be out for four to six weeks, Werder also noted the playoffs start four weeks from the time Dalton fractured his thumb.

Lewis Comments on Dalton's Injury

Monday, Dec. 14

Lewis told reporters that "as we move forward we'll see how he is each week”.

On Dec. 13, Lewis told reporters the quarterback is "not necessarily" out for the season.

Dalton Reportedly Avoids Surgery on Injured Thumb

Monday, Dec. 14

Schefter, citing a Cincinnati source, reported Dalton's return will depend "on how quickly he heals."

Dalton Injured Making Tackle After Turnover

Sunday, Dec. 13

The Bengals confirmed Dalton, who injured his thumb after an interception in the first quarter, would not return. Dalton later appeared on the sideline in a cast, per the Cauldron:

Dalton Vital to Bengals' Super Bowl Hopes

Dalton has been one of the league's most durable players since the Bengals drafted him in the second round of the 2011 draft. He immediately stepped into the starting lineup and hadn't missed any regular-season games before this injury.

That said, his overall play is still a bone of contention, especially when it comes to the playoffs, where he's failed to lead Cincinnati to a victory in four trips. His overall numbers have improved this season, however, suggesting he may finally be ready to snap the drought if he's healthy.

McCarron took over under center and will continue to until Dalton recovers. McCarron is 2-1 as a starter this season and threw for 832 yards and six touchdowns, with zero interceptions, while replacing Dalton.