Report: Dalton no lock for divisional round if Bengals advance

Quarterback Andy Dalton would not necessarily return to practice next week should the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, as he's still fighting off the ill effects of a fractured thumb, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Dalton has yet to begin throwing, and it would only be known by Tuesday or Wednesday whether the Bengals star is able to practice.

But the pivot's health won't matter if the Bengals lose to the Steelers on Saturday. Dalton is inactive for the game.

Dalton suffered the injury during a Week 14 contest against the Steelers, and AJ McCarron took over in his absence.

Prior to injury, Dalton was in the midst of his best professional season. If the Bengals advance to the divisional round, Dalton's injury will continue to loom large over the club.