Dec. 29--An MRI revealed Tuesday that AJ McCarron has a sprained left wrist, according to multiple media reports, making it unclear whether the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback will be available for the regular-season finale against Baltimore this weekend.
NFL media's Ian Rapoport calls the sprain "significant" but says McCarron is "intent on" playing since the injury is on his non-throwing arm. A decision by the Bengals isn't likely until later this week.
The second-year player has been filling in for regular starter Andy Dalton, who broke a bone in his right thumb trying to make a tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 13. Dalton isn't expected to return until the playoffs, if at all this season.
The only other quarterback on the Bengals' roster is Keith Wenning, who has never taken a snap in the NFL.
McCarron's injury occurred Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Already the AFC North champions, the Bengals could have clinched a first-round bye -- and an extra week for Dalton to get healthy -- with a victory.
Instead, Cincinnati lost, 20-17, when McCarron fumbled a snap after the Broncos had already scored a field goal on their first possession of overtime. To make matters worse, McCarron says he hurt his wrist while diving for the ball on that play.
Now the Bengals need some help to get that bye. A win against the Ravens certainly wouldn't hurt, but that may be difficult if McCarron is unable to play.
