(Reuters) - Quarterback Andy Dalton, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been ruled out by the Cincinnati Bengals for Saturday's wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the National Football League (NFL) team said on Friday.
Dalton, who broke the right thumb on his throwing hand while making a tackle during a Dec. 13 game against the Steelers, will be replaced by AJ McCarron.
It will be the first time in his five-year career that Dalton, 28, has been ruled out of a wild card game, even though head coach Marvin Lewis had hinted earlier this week the quarterback could still play a backup role.