Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton hopes to take a major step in his recovery from a fractured thumb early next week.
Dalton will visit a specialist Monday where he will learn if the cast on his throwing hand can be removed, according to Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website.
Dalton was injured making a tackle in a Dec. 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The veteran passer, who was enjoying the best season of his career before going down, is believed to be a few weeks away from returning to the field, which likely means the Bengals will be forced to enter the postseason with AJ McCarron as their starter.