Cincy Jungle - Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton fractured thumbWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2016-03-03T13:18:56-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/98878912016-03-03T13:18:56-05:002016-03-03T13:18:56-05:00Dalton cleared to throw, shares more on injury
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<p>Andy Dalton is back...except there aren't any games right now ;( </p> <p>One of the notable offseason storylines Cincinnati is facing this offseason is the health of <span>Andy Dalton</span>.</p>
<p>A fractured thumb suffered on Dec. 13 of last season effectively ended Dalton's season as he missed the final four games of the season, including the Wild Card playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Though Dalton was targeting the Divisional Round for a return, there was doubt he'd even be able to play then, at least at an effective level.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/the-big-mac-blog/article63757972.html">Dalton admitted as much in an interview Mac Engel of the Star-Telegram</a>, where the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> quarterback also said he's been cleared to throw again.</p>
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<p><span>Andy Dalton says the thumb is good, that the X-rays are clean and that his doctor gave him the go-ahead to resume throwing this week.</span></p>
<p><span>Dalton suffered a torn right thumb in a loss against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> on Dec. 13. It effectively ended the best season of his career. He said even had the Bengals defeated the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game he would likely not have been OK to play, but he would have tried regardless in the AFC Divisional round.</span></p>
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<p><span>Dalton originally suffered the injury in a Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With 5:06 remaining in the first quarter, Dalton targeted <span>Giovani Bernard</span> on a running back screen around the line of scrimmage, but defensive lineman <span>Stephon Tuitt</span> intercepted the ball. As Dalton clipped Tuitt's legs to make the tackle, his throwing hand landed against Tuitt's knee and fractured it in the process.</span></p>
<p><span>Despite not playing in the final month of this season, Dalton still threw for 25 touchdowns and 3,250 yards vs just seven interceptions, good for a career-high 106.3 passer rating. He also rushed for three scores and helped lead the Bengals to a 10-2 start and were atop the AFC standings before going down.</span></p>
<p>With the offseason now here, we're still about two months until OTAs begin and Dalton gets a chance to throw in an NFL practice again. He'll probably get together with some of his receivers and train at some point this offseason, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/4/12/8391477/andy-dalton-working-with-tom-house-more-this-offseason">not to mention making a few trips to see Dr. Tom House</a>.</p>
<p>All of this will hopefully help lead to Dalton having as good of a 2016 season as his 2015 was before the injury. He was on the verge of a Pro Bowl berth and possible All-Pro selection. That's how good he was, and he should perform at a similar level in 2016.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/3/3/11152964/andy-dalton-cleared-throw-again-admits-playing-divisional-roundJason Marcum2016-02-10T18:07:00-05:002016-02-10T18:07:00-05:00Andy Dalton still not throwing passes yet
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<p>Despite potentially being ready to throw, Andy Dalton is taking his time to recover.</p> <p><span>Andy Dalton</span> may be ready to pass, but he's holding off for now. With plenty of time to get back into a rhythm, the<a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> quarterback is waiting until his thumb completely recovers from a December thumb fracture.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Dalton-ready-to-throw-but-taking-his-time/e3ae0d78-3b30-4648-9b82-98c197f6fa72">Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson</a> had this to say in regards to Dalton's injury:</p>
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<p>If he wanted to, Andy Dalton says he can throw but he's going to hold off for the time being.</p>
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<p>"Not throwing yet because we are being very conservative with it," Dalton told Hobson in a text this week. "I feel like I can throw but no reason to push anything right now. I have plenty of time now to get 100 percent."</p>
<p>Hobson also mentioned Dalton may have not even been ready to play if the Bengals had made <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">the Super Bowl</a>, and playing prior to the Super Bowl would have been a "dicey call".</p>
<p>With plenty of offseason time in front of him, Dalton should be back on the field throwing passes in time for the players' first opportunity to report to the stadium in mid-April.</p>
<p>Dalton has shown signs of improvement as a passer on a yearly basis. Making the decision to take it slow in the recovery process shouldn't have any impact on whether or not he improves in 2016; in fact, there's nothing to suggest he won't be even better in 2016 than 2015. Hobson also mentioned Dalton intends to spend time learning from Tom House again this offseason, something that's now become routine for the Bengals quarterback.</p>
<p>In resting his thumb, Dalton will also have more time to enjoy his offseason and spend time with his family. But today, as the Dalton family was about to embark on a vacation, it didn't get off to a great start, as they <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/2/10/10960074/help-andy-dalton-find-his-missing-luggage">lost two suitcases</a> on their way to the airport for a vacation to Mexico. Hopefully #bagsearch2016 doesn't last long; losing luggage is a dreadfully painful process.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/2/10/10962560/andy-dalton-taking-time-in-recovery-not-throwing-passes-yetConnor Howe2016-01-08T11:55:08-05:002016-01-08T11:55:08-05:00Bengals rule out Andy Dalton vs Steelers
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<p>AJ McCarron will get the start as he looks to help end the Bengals' two decades of no postseason wins. </p> <p>To no surprise, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> will not have <span>Andy Dalton</span> this weekend when they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.</p>
<p>The team ruled Dalton out on Friday after he was unable to practice this week while recovering from a fractured thumb suffered a month ago to these very Steelers. There was an outside shot that Dalton could suit up Saturday night and be the backup behind <span>AJ McCarron</span>, but Dalton simply isn't ready to be active in a game, even if it is just to hand the ball off.</p>
<p>Speaking of McCarron, this will be just his fourth NFL start and his first in the postseason. He's played admirably with Dalton out of the lineup, so much so that he actually looks like someone who may end up a full-time starter in this league. In his past four games (three starts), McCarron has completed 76 of 115 (66.1%) passes for 832 yards with six touchdowns, two interceptions and a 97.4 passer rating.</p>
<p>Still, Dalton was having a great season and was playing like one of the four or five best quarterbacks in the league this season. Losing him has led to the Bengals' offense taking a step back. McCarron and his supporting cast will really have to step up for the offense to keep pace with the Steelers' high-powered offense.</p>
<p>While Dalton and the Bengals have remained hopeful Dalton could potentially return for a Divisional Round game if they're able to win this weekend, even that is no longer a certainty. Dalton just had his cast removed from his broken thumb this week, and it's not clear if he's been able to throw with that hand. As of Wednesday he had not thrown a pass with his right hand.</p>
<p>The Bengals also ruled out fullback/h-back <span>Ryan Hewitt</span> due to a knee injury he originally suffered in Week 16 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>. Hewitt hasn't practiced since the injury, and it's unclear if/when he'll return to the team this postseason; but, it won't happen this week.</p>
<p>With Hewitt out, that led to offensive tackle <span>Jake Fisher</span> moving to h-back and getting 25 snaps during Sunday's 24-16 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>. Expect to see him there a lot this Saturday night when the Bengals may need to run the ball more with rain likely affecting the game and making it harder to pass.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/8/10736502/bengals-rule-out-andy-dalton-and-ryan-hewitt-vs-steelersJason Marcum2016-01-05T14:45:19-05:002016-01-05T14:45:19-05:00Dalton at Tuesday practice, took left-handed snaps
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<p>Andy Dalton made a somewhat triumphant return, but it doesn't look like he was able to do much in practice.</p> <p>The Cincinnati Bengals held their first playoff practice of 2016 on Tuesday in what was a fairly light session.</p>
<p>The team practiced in just sweats for what amounted to a walk-through practice. That means we won't be able to get a good read on any injured Bengals until they get a full session in on Wednesday.</p>
<p>However, there was still big news to come from Tuesday's session as it was the first day in almost a month that <span>Andy Dalton</span> was at practice without a cast on his injured thumb. It's still looking unlikely that he plays this Saturday, and head coach <span>Marvin Lewis</span> said Tuesday that the team is preparing for <span>AJ McCarron</span> to start.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AJ Green comes out to the field "Andy has his cast off! Andy has his cast off everybody!" Haha</p>
— Elise Jesse (@Elise_JesseWLWT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Elise_JesseWLWT/status/684451216047390721">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dalton heads out to practice. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/vlJSjS7SRN">pic.twitter.com/vlJSjS7SRN</a></p>
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/status/684451152889556995">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> players quite amused by crush of media waiting for Dalton at practice. Lots of jokes. Loose group.</p>
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/status/684452117671706624">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Team clapped as Andy Dalton took two snaps during open media time. He did throw a pass...jokingly with his left hand.</p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/status/684454813174726656">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well played, Andy Dalton. Took a couple snaps at practice -- both a handoff and a throw... Left-handed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a></p>
— Kaci Kust (@KaciKustCN2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaciKustCN2/status/684456987501920256">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes, Andy Dalton practiced today. Yes, he threw a pass. Yes, it was left handed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsRoar?src=hash">#LetsRoar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Enquirer">@Enquirer</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gt9z0Kp2uA">pic.twitter.com/Gt9z0Kp2uA</a></p>
— Sam Greene (@SGdoesit) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGdoesit/status/684457160655421441">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Re: the 2 plays Andy Dalton had during practice, nothing to read into other than him having some fun. Did no actual throwing while prac open</p>
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeyHarvey/status/684459348442116097">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p>However, Lewis would not reveal if Dalton would be healthy enough to be the backup Saturday in the event McCarron were to be injured. While Dalton is probably not ready to start and lead the Bengals to a playoff win, he's still probably more capable of doing so than <span>Keith Wenning</span>, who was just on the practice squad a month ago.</p>
<p>Another notable player who is dealing with an injury is starting fullback/h-back Ryan Hewitt. He missed this past week's game against the Ravens with a knee injury that prompted the Bengals to move rookie offensive tackle <span>Jake Fisher</span> to h-back. Fisher did well against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a>, but having Hewitt back would be ideal.</p>
<p>As far as injuries that occurred during Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens, starting linebacker <span>Emmanuel Lamur</span> is out for the year after <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/4/10710214/bengals-put-emmanuel-lamur-on-i-r-and-sign-trevor-roach-from-practice">suffering a knee injury</a>. He's already been placed on I.R., and rookie linebacker <span>Trevor Roach</span> has been promoted from the practice squad in his place.</p>
<p>Other than that, there weren't any notable developments to come out of Tuesday's session since everyone was in sweats and without helmets. It is good news though that everyone on the 53-man roster seemed to be on the field.</p>
<p>Be sure to check back later for the full practice and injury report for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/5/10717914/andy-dalton-present-taking-left-handed-snaps-at-bengals-tuesdayJason Marcum2016-01-05T10:01:47-05:002016-01-05T10:01:47-05:00Dalton's cast is off, status for Saturday unknown
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<p>Andy Dalton's cast has been removed!</p> <p>Less than one month after fracturing his thumb while marching down the field for the first offensive drive against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> in Week 14, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> has had the cast on his hand removed, according to ESPN's Bob Holtzman.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bengals QB Andy Dalton is OUT of his cast, per multiple sources. But a team source tells me Dalton's status for Saturday is still unknown.</p>
— bob holtzman (@BobHoltzmanESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobHoltzmanESPN/status/684382523384803328">January 5, 2016</a>
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<p>Whether Dalton plays on Saturday when the Steelers once again come to Paul Brown Stadium has yet to be determined, though conservative estimates find it hard to imagine him playing less than one week after his cast was removed.</p>
<p>The Bengals practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week to prepare for their Saturday matchup in Wild Card weekend. Dalton's status between now and then will be closely monitored as the team sees how his hand responds to picking up, gripping and throwing a football.</p>
<p>For now, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/4/10710318/bengals-preparing-to-start-aj-mccarron-at-quarterback-in-wild-card">Bengals are preparing for AJ McCarron to start</a> on Saturday night.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/5/10715842/andy-daltons-cast-was-removed-status-for-saturday-still-unknownRebecca Toback2016-01-04T15:31:31-05:002016-01-04T15:31:31-05:00Bengals preparing to start McCarron on Saturday
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<p>Marvin Lewis was his typical self on Monday morning, not wanting to say much at all about Andy Dalton's injury.</p> <p>As we've seen time and again, Marvin Lewis doesn't like sharing information regarding his injured players. Such is the case with Andy Dalton who fractured his thumb on December 13th in the Bengals' Week 14 loss to the Steelers.</p>
<p>Now, the Bengals are preparing to play the Steelers again, this time, in the Wild Card round of the 2016 NFL playoffs. On Monday, Lewis met with the media and when the topic of Andy Dalton's injury came up, Lewis wanted no part in the conversation.</p>
<p>Lewis said as of now, the team is planning to start AJ McCarron at quarterback, and that he has no updates to share on Dalton.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marvin took two questions on update of Andy Dalton and if he could play this Sunday. He answered both in 6 seconds. <a href="https://t.co/LABfA1ieS0">pic.twitter.com/LABfA1ieS0</a></p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/status/684116343294148608">January 4, 2016</a>
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<p>Dalton was expected to meet with doctors today to hopefully get the cast removed from his right thumb. Getting the cast off wouldn't mean Dalton would play this weekend, he likely would still be unable to play even if the cast came off today. But, it would be a step in the right direction and a promising sign as for his availability if the Bengals win on Saturday against the Steelers and advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. If the Bengals beat the Steelers, they will travel to New England to play the Patriots.</p>
<p>Lewis did not share the results of Dalton's doctor appointment at any point during his Monday afternoon press conference. "We have to go into the week, obviously, regardless of Andy's status, right now we're going to into at least the early part of the week preparing with AJ," Lewis said <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fbengals%2F2016%2F01%2F04%2Fcincinnati-bengals-aj-mccarron-playoff-game-pittsburgh-steelers-andy-dalton-thumb%2F78268062%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2016%2F1%2F4%2F10710318%2Fbengals-preparing-to-start-aj-mccarron-at-quarterback-in-wild-card" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">according to the Cincinnati Enquirer</a>.</p>
<p>It is still possible Dalton could play this weekend, but as of now, it's not looking likely.</p>
<p>Dalton is still doing some drills and conditioning work, per the Enquirer's conversation with the quarterback. "I'm doing more strengthening and making sure my conditioning's there, running and cardio and things like that," Dalton said Friday. "The footwork and stuff I should have down by now. That's muscle memory. But I'm just trying to keep doing whatever I can."</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/4/10710318/bengals-preparing-to-start-aj-mccarron-at-quarterback-in-wild-cardRebecca Toback2016-01-04T13:19:20-05:002016-01-04T13:19:20-05:00Dalton's recovery is the great unknown
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<p>Quarterback Andy Dalton, who suffered a broken thumb last week, visits with the doctor on Monday. The outcome will obviously map out his availability this Saturday against the Steelers.</p> <p>The pervasive unknown continues.</p>
<p>Will <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> play Saturday night against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, the team against which he originally broke his thumb on Dec. 13? It's been 22 days since Pittsburgh's 33-20 win over the Bengals, who have relied on backup quarterback <span>AJ McCarron</span> -- the Alabama alum who has helped secure wins against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> and <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a>, with his lone defeat being an overtime loss to the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>.</p>
<p>According to local reports, Andy Dalton is scheduled to meet with doctors on Monday."Just waiting to ... I'll have another doctor visit on Monday and we'll go from there," <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fbengals%2F2016%2F01%2F01%2Fcincinnati-bengals-andy-dalton-ready-to-get-out-of-cast%2F78175896%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2Fthe-chronicle%2F2016%2F1%2F4%2F10708764%2Fbengals-vs-steelers-andy-daltons-recovery-remains-the-great-unknown" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">he said via the Cincinnati Enquirer</a>. Dalton added that the doctor has "got to check it out and make sure he feels that would be a good thing. But I tell you what, I'm ready to get out of the cast."</p>
<p>Prior to Sunday's regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, Fox sideline reporter Tony Siragusa spoke to Dalton:</p>
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<p><b>Tony Siragusa: If today was a playoff game, would you be out there today? </b></p>
<p><b>Andy Dalton</b>: "As of right now, no. I couldn't be out there yet. I'm waiting to hear what the doctors have to say, waiting to get the cast off, and we'll kind of go from there."</p>
<p><b>Siragusa: If the Bengals don't earn a first-round bye, what do you think? Next week might be a situation (where you can play) or you really don't know? </b></p>
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<p><b>Dalton</b>: "It's just one of those things, I'm playing the waiting game. I'm going to see what the doctors have to say. I'm hoping I can get the cast off tomorrow (Monday), but I'm still waiting to hear what he has to say. I'm going to do whatever is smart, whatever is best for this thing and try to get back as soon as I can."</p>
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<p>Unfortunately, Dalton's honesty isn't providing a sense of optimism with patiently nervous fans, who literally want a WWE-style promotion about his return this Saturday. Yes, it's understandable. His hand is in a cast -- it's not like you're monitoring a scab and watching it progressively heal. And you'd rather hear blunt honesty, as opposed to unsubstantiated optimism. Yet, it would have been cool if Andy Dalton yanked the microphone from Siragusa's grip and shouted, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv2po0qWVww">watcha gonna do when the Red Rifle...</a>"</p>
<p>However, pessimism has permeated recently. Prior to Cincinnati's Monday Night game against the Denver Broncos, <i>NFL insider Ian Rapoport</i> reported that Dalton is "<a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/681642469885345792">still a few weeks</a>" away and despite the team's usage of "<a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/681642968340664320">accelerate healing</a>", weekly scans <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/681642968340664320">continued showing that the bone hasn't healed</a>. These reports came out on Dec. 28, a week prior to Dalton's optimistic viewpoint about healing last week.</p>
<p>Sports Illustrated's Peter King promoted a more sunny disposition during an interview with head coach <span>Marvin Lewis</span>, who added that there's a chance. "Andy's very optimistic," <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/01/04/nfl-coaches-fired-wild-card-schedule-week-17-peyton-manning">Lewis told King on Saturday</a>. "I feel he's got an opportunity to play next weekend and we're going to err on the side of caution."</p>
<p>During NBC's Football Night in America, King reported that "Andy Dalton is very optimistic that he's going to be playing next weekend in the playoffs (against the Steelers). Marvin Lewis is not as optimistic... I'd call him cautiously optimistic."</p>
<p>Even if he returns, one must ask how effective he'll be. Cincinnati has an accelerated schedule due to their scheduled Saturday night game against the Steelers. It will have been 27 days since his injury (nearly an entire month), since his last completion. Rusty could become a favorable description.</p>
<p>We should learn about Dalton's eventual recovery on Monday. If the cast is removed, there is significant improvement regarding his chances to play Saturday. If not, then the obvious doubt applies.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/the-chronicle/2016/1/4/10708764/bengals-vs-steelers-andy-daltons-recovery-remains-the-great-unknownJosh Kirkendall2016-01-01T12:18:14-05:002016-01-01T12:18:14-05:00Dalton update: Key Monday appointment coming
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<p>With AJ McCarron set to start vs the Ravens in Week 17, it continues to look likely McCarron would also start in the Wild Card round if the Bengals play next weekend. </p> <p>There may not be a more critical 24 hours in the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a>' season than the one that starts Sunday at 1 p.m.</p>
<p>That's when the Bengals host the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> in a game that may ultimately have little impact in the Bengals' playoff seeding, but will be another chance for <span>AJ McCarron</span> to establish himself as a starting quarterback and get more comfortable in that role as he makes just his third NFL start.</p>
<p>Three hours later, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> host the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a> in a game that will decide who gets the AFC's No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. A Denver win means they get it and Cincinnati will play in the Wild Card round. A Denver loss and a Bengals win mean the No. 2 seed is the Bengals. Whether it's McCarron or <span>Andy Dalton</span> playing (if the Bengals play) on Wild Card weekend, may be decided early Monday when Dalton meets with doctors to determine if he's ready to remove the cast on his fractured thumb, as Geoff Hobson reports:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dalton says he's going to doctor Monday when he hopes to get out of cast, but he's not sure</p>
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/682949591151423488">January 1, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dalton: I have no idea what DR will say. No timetable. When he says I'm ready, I'm ready</p>
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/682950046975791104">January 1, 2016</a>
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<p>But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has consistently said Dalton will likely be out a few more weeks and miss the Wild Card round, something he reiterated Friday.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Still weeks away <a href="https://t.co/PGYaHLMxvp">https://t.co/PGYaHLMxvp</a></p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/682967348916174848">January 1, 2016</a>
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<p>While the Bengals have gone 1-2 since Dalton's injury, the losses were to a 9-6 <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> team and an 11-4 Broncos club fighting for their playoff lives. McCarron has done enough that Bengals players are strongly expressing their support for him and the belief they can still accomplish what they started with Dalton.</p>
<p><span>"No question in our mind whether we can win a playoff game with AJ McCarron," said left tackle <span>Andrew Whitworth</span>, </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-huddle-up-around-McCarron/752f1261-888f-4ced-af4a-8a764b7566f8?campaign=cin:fanshare:twitter">via Bengals.com</a><span>. "He has enough leadership and character. The most important thing for a quarterback is how the guys feel in the huddle with him and confidence they have around him. There’s not a guy that doubts that he’s going to come in and give us the best he’s got and make good decisions and those kinds of things. That’s probably one of his strongest suits. He gets leadership." </span></p>
<p>At this point, it looks almost certain that McCarron would start a possible Wild Card game in Paul Brown Stadium. Though, Dalton won't say that if the Bengals are playing next weekend it won't be him at quarterback.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He remains "week to week" - Dalton won't rule himself out for any playoff week as of today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a></p>
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimOwczarski/status/682953154099605504">January 1, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Monday is a big day: Andy Dalton will get his thumb re-evaluated. Receives bone stimulation 2x a day but he ... <a href="https://t.co/N6IvouqwOi">https://t.co/N6IvouqwOi</a></p>
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimOwczarski/status/682952666687877121">January 1, 2016</a>
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<p>It also looks like it would feature the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> coming to town, but an outside shot remains that Pittsburgh will be the team coming to the Queen City for the first weekend of NFL playoff action.</p>
<p>Dalton is now set to miss his third game this week after originally breaking his thumb against those very Steelers in Week 14. Prior to that, Dalton was having a career season that will end with him having thrown for 25 touchdowns vs just seven interceptions with 3,250 yards on a 66.2 percent completion rate and a career-high 106.2 passer rating.</p>
<p>McCarron hasn't been too shabby himself, tossing four touchdowns vs two interceptions with 694 yards and a 95.1 passer rating while completing 67.4 percent of his passes. At this point, it's safe to think McCarron can lead the Bengals to a win in the Wild Card round, but it's hard to see the Bengals reaching their ultimate goal of a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a> without Dalton the rest of the way.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/1/10698648/andy-dalton-injury-update-monday-meeting-with-doctors-may-decideJason Marcum