The AFC North might have some bad luck when it comes to starting quarterbacks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger go through a bunch of injuries this season, missing five starts this year. The Baltimore Ravens had franchise quarterback Joe Flacco tear his ACL and MCL in week 11 against the St. Louis Rams, ending his year for good as he would undergo surgery earlier this week. The Cleveland Browns do what they usually do with changing around quarterbacks a few times this season, but would have the best starter break his ribs and collarbone to end his season as well.
Now comes injury news from the Cincinnati Bengals about quarterback Andy Dalton. Once an MVP candidate, Dalton would injure his thumb on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, not allowing him to finish the game. What is worse is that Dalton came out of the locker room in a hard cast.
Andy Dalton is in a hard cast. (Pic via @AlbertBreer) #Steelers #Bengals pic.twitter.com/mPOrdOaDje
— Steelers Wire (@TheSteelersWire) December 13, 2015
Dalton has a shot at returning next week against the San Francisco 49ers, but only if it is a sprain or strain. Given the hard cast, it appears to be more serious than that. If it is a broken thumb or ligament damage, his year could be done. With the Bengals in a prime spot for the playoffs, that could be devastating for Cincinnati.
Cast/splint on @andydalton14 and includes thumb. Worry for Bennett's fracture which could mean surgery. @Bengals pic.twitter.com/qjRGElMrfG
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) December 13, 2015
Update: It has been reported as a fractured thumb. Head coach Marvin Lewis has already ruled Dalton out for week 15, but has not mentioned if it was season ending or even potentially a hazard for weeks 16 and 17.
#Bengals QB Andy Dalton said there's a fracture in his hand and that he'll see the hand specialist tomorrow.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 13, 2015