CINCINNATI -- After only a few snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelerson Sunday, Andy Dalton was taken out of the huddle and rushed to the locker room due to a thumb injury.
After the game, coach Marvin Lewis said Dalton would be out next week, too, and possibly longer.
Dalton said he fractured his thumb making the tackle after the interception. He’s set to meet with a specialist Monday.
INJURY UPDATE: Andy Dalton reported with right thumb injury. Return is questionable #PITvsCIN
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 13, 2015
INJURY UPDATE: Andy Dalton has been downgraded to out #PITvsCIN
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 13, 2015
The Bengals quickly relayed that Dalton would be out for the remainder of the game and backup QB A.J. McCarron would resume his role.
#Bengals offense take the field with @10AJMcCarron at QB #PITvsCIN
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 13, 2015
All those fans screaming for AJ McCarron during the preseason now get their wish.@WCPO
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) December 13, 2015
First time for AJ McCarron in the regular season other than mop up duty. Gets a nice hand as he runs onto field.@WCPO
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) December 13, 2015
McCarron threw to A.J. Green for a 66-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.
AJ + AJ = TD! #PITvsCIN pic.twitter.com/4KDmHHOM20
— WCPO (@WCPO) December 13, 2015
But McCarron was picked off by William Gay in the second half.
Dalton was seen on the sideline during the second quarter out of uniform with a black cast on his hand.
Yikes! @WCPO pic.twitter.com/EkaZaZGnBa
— Steve Raleigh WCPO (@Cincywxman) December 13, 2015
Injuries plagued nearly all corners of the Bengals' roster during Saturday's game: Tyler Eifert was out shortly after Dalton with concussion concerns. George Iloka went out with a groin injury in the second half of the game.
George Iloka is now declared out with groin injury. Third starter (Dalton and Eifert are the others) to go out.@WCPO
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) December 13, 2015
Leon Hall and Vontaze Burfict, both out with injuries at differing points this season also left the field with apparent injuries but went to the locker room during the game. Burfict's injury was reported as "a hit to the head," but not a confirmed concussion. Adam Jones was inactive for the game.
While Dalton recovers, McCarron pledged to improve his own playing.
“I promised the guys that I will do whatever I have to,” he said.
