The Cincinnati Bengals avoided a major injury with Andy Dalton not needing surgery for his fractured hand, but the quarterback will be out for Week 15, leaving AJ McCarron to start. Tyler Eifert is dealing with a concussion and he also could miss out on the game against the 49ers.
Dalton injured his hand while trying to make a tackle following an interception against the Steelers and now he will be out for at least the next game or two while it heals up. Initial reports had Dalton out for the season, but according to ESPN, Dalton's injury does not require surgery and that means he potentially could return in the regular season or for the playoffs. NFL.com reports that the "hope" for the Bengals is that Dalton can play in the postseason, although Ian Rapoport writes that Week 17 is a possibility.
AJ McCarron came in for Dalton against the Steelers in Week 14 and now he will be starting for the team against the 49ers on Sunday. Head coach Marvin Lewis said to the media this week that Dalton has been ruled out for the 49ers game and that he is considered to be "week-to-week" at this point. Lewis said that it's "very likely" that Dalton will play again this year, although it's likely that if he does play again, it will be in the playoffs.
Lewis added that it's "unlikely" that Dalton plays against the Broncos in Week 16, according to Adam Schefter at ESPN. The game against the Broncos will be big for playoff position in the AFC, as both teams are chasing the Patriots in the standings as things stand right now heading into Week 15. The Bengals may be down two offensive starters for the game on Sunday, as Tyler Eifert is potentially going to be out with a concussion.
According to Pro Football Talk, Eifert is in the concussion protocol and has not been practicing this week, likely putting him on the sidelines in Week 15. Tyler Kroft started in place of Eifert when he missed a game earlier in the month against the Browns and he likely would start again if Eifert is out. With Eifert not practicing it's likely he will not play and that is another hurdle for the Bengals to overcome with Dalton out. Eifert has been a great red zone target this season while putting up 12 touchdowns.
The Bengals are in a tough spot with Dalton out, as the team has the Broncos in Week 16 and that could be a huge for the AFC playoff picture. Dalton had been putting up MVP numbers this season and while he may return for the playoffs, the Bengals will be in a tough spot until that happens. McCarron has played in big games in his college career and was very successful, but he is young and it can be tough to adjust to the NFL so quickly. The Bengals will find out if McCarron can handle the load on Sunday.
