The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing as if quarterback A.J. McCarron will start Saturday night's AFC wild-card game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
McCarron has started Cincinnati's past three games in place of Andy Dalton, who is sidelined with a broken thumb on his throwing hand.
Fantasy Impact:
Dalton is scheduled to meet with doctors Monday and hopes to have the cast removed from his right hand, but the Bengals still are uncertain whether the two-time Pro Bowler will be available against Pittsburgh.