Report: Dalton won't need surgery on fractured thumb, could return for playoffs

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton will not require surgery to repair the fractured thumb on his throwing hand, and the team is hopeful he'll return in time for the playoffs, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Dalton was injured in the first half of Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and fitted with a heavy cast on his hand soon after.

The Bengals have yet to provide a timeline for their quarterback's return beyond saying he'll miss at least one week.

AJ McCarron will start in Dalton's absence.