The Cincinnati Bengals placed Dalton on injured reserve Monday, ruling him out for the remainder of the season after he injured his thumb on Sunday. They simultaneously picked up quarterback Tom Savage on waivers to replace him on the roster.
The #Bengals just placed QB Andy Dalton on Injured Reserve, ending his season with this thumb injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2018
Bengals claimed QB Tom Savage on waivers per source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 26, 2018
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Dalton suffered torn ligaments in his thumb, and it is unclear if he will need surgery.
#Bengals QB Andy Dalton suffered torn ligaments in his thumb, source said. It’s not immediately known if he’s having surgery but his season is over nonetheless. Jeff Driskel, who was 17 of 29 for 155 and a TD, is now the starter.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2018
Though there was apparently no break on the thumb, a ligament tear was enough to end his 2018. It’s the conclusion of a season that started with a promising 4-1 record, followed by a 1-5 slide that effectively derailed what looked like a playoff campaign. Admittedly, that had as much to do with the defense as it did Dalton, who threw for 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 11 games.
In all likelihood, Jeff Driskel, who finished off Sunday’s game, will start in the Bengals’ Week 13 matchup with the Denver Broncos.
