Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton told reporters after the game Sunday that he has a fractured bone in his hand, and that he will see a specialist on Monday, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said that Dalton will be out for "a while," and some think this could be the last time the Bengals play Dalton until the postseason, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Dalton was seen on the sideline wearing a cast around his right hand following the injury.
The Bengals took their third loss of the season to AFC North rival the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday 33-20. Backup quarterback AJ McCarron filled in for Dalton and struggled throwing for 280 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. McCarron was sacked three times on Sunday, and the Bengals will need to do a better job of protecting their backup quarterback down the stretch of this season.
The Bengals are now 10-3 on the year and in a tight race with the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots for a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs. Dalton was having arguably his best season since being drafted by the Bengals in 2011, and had thrown for 3,191 yards with 25 touchdowns to six interceptions. More information regarding Dalton's injury will be released after seeing a specialist on Monday, and Bengals fans are likely hopeful that their franchise quarterback can make a return for the postseason.
