Andy Dalton Injury: Bengals Would Be Wise to Sit Rookie QB vs. Broncos

The Cincinnati Bengals have invested their future in two rookies—Andy Dalton and A.J. Green—and they began their respective careers last week against Cleveland. Green looked good at times and had one touchdown catch, but Dalton struggled early and then got hurt in the second quarter of the game.

Now, Dalton's status for Week 2 is up in the air, but the team sounds optimistic that he might be able to play this week against Denver.

Here's the official report from ESPN.com:

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Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton was limited in practice Wednesday because of his bruised right forearm, but the Bengals say he could start on Sunday in Denver.

Dalton expects to try some wraps on the wrist during practice this week to see if they help. He said it was feeling better on Wednesday. Coach Marvin Lewis will see how Dalton's arm holds up in practice this week before deciding on his starter.

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As optimistic as the Bengals and their fans are right now after winning the first game of the season, and as much as they want Dalton to get as much experience as he can this season, the fact remains that this team is not going anywhere this season. There is no reason to risk further injury to Dalton to try and get him more experience or win one or two extra games.

Unless Dalton magically heals in the next three days, there is no reason for the Bengals to throw him to the wolves and risk further damaging his arm.

Plus, and this is even more important than anything else, this is Dalton's throwing arm that is hurt. If he plays with a bad throwing arm, he is going to have to adjust his throwing motion and that can lead to even more damage.

The Bengals have high hopes for Dalton, they need him to develop into a good starting quarterback in the next two years if they want to contend, and he can't do that if he is rehabbing his arm for a half season or full season.

Let Dalton sit out this week and bring him back next week when you know for sure that he is 100 percent. Don't risk throwing him out there in this game when you have a more than capable backup in Bruce Gradkowski.