Report: Dalton no longer wearing cast; status vs. Steelers still unclear

With the playoff opener fast approaching, Andy Dalton appears to have taken a significant step toward his potential return to game action.

The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, who missed the final three weeks of the regular season with a fractured thumb, is no longer wearing a cast on his throwing hand, according to Bob Holtzman of ESPN.

His playing status for Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly remains uncertain, but shedding the cast should at least give him an opportunity to test his progress during the week of practice.

In the midst of his most productive season to date, getting the veteran signal-caller back in the lineup this week would be an incredibly positive development for the Bengals.

AJ McCarron would be in line for a fourth consecutive start if Dalton's unable to return, leaving Cincinnati at a significant disadvantage against a high-powered Steelers offense.