The Bengals offense is not quite as potent with AJ McCarron under center and according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport the team could very well be without quarterback Andy Dalton should it be forced to play in a Wild Card round game.
Out with a broken thumb on his throwing hand, Dalton is said to be still healing and a few weeks away from being able to play in a game. That is problematic for the Bengals after a 20-17 overtime loss to the Broncos on Monday night left them needing a win and some help if they are to get a first round bye and avoid Wild Card game.
#Bengals QB Andy Dalton (thumb) is still a few weeks ago, sources say. Out week 17. If CIN is 3-seed, likely AJ McCarron starts in WC round
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2015
The Bengals would need a Week 17 win against the Ravens – which is very probable – while also needing a Chargers upset of the Broncos.
McCarron is injured himself on his left wrist leaving Keith Wenning as the only healthy quarterback on the teams roster.
If McCarron can go he will start in Week 17 as the Bengals can ill afford a loss. McCarron at-least gives the Bengals a chance should they be forced to play a Wild Card round game but if Wenning is forced to play their season is surely doomed.
