Andy Dalton ruled out of Wild Card game vs. Steelers

It didn't seem likely anyway.

The Cincinnati Bengals officially ruled out quarterback Andy Dalton for Saturday's NFL Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dalton is recovering from a broken thumb on his throwing hand that he suffered against these same Steelers back on Dec. 13. And while he has made progress and even took part in some team activities this week, it appears that wasn't enough.

Backup quarterback AJ McCarron has played in Dalton's place since and has guided the Bengals to a 2-1 record that could have been 3-0 had the Denver Broncos not staged a Week 17 comeback to win in overtime.