For a moment, it appeared the Cincinnati Bengals would turn to another first-time starter, but AJ McCarron should be ready for the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
According to the Bengals official site, McCarron said he has no concerns about a sprained left wrist keeping him off the field.
Cincinnati has already clinched the AFC North but could snatch a first-round bye. Although the Denver Broncos must lose to the San Diego Chargers for that to happen, the Bengals can at least put pressure on Denver, who kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET after Cincy’s 1 p.m. start.
With McCarron under center, the Bengals have fallen to the Pittsburgh Steelers, defeated the San Francisco 49ers and lost to the Broncos. During the 1-2 stretch, he’s completed 59-of-88 attempts for 672 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Turning to Keith Wenning, a sixth-round pick in 2014 who has never thrown an NFL pass, would certainly make for an interesting game Sunday against the Ryan Mallett-led Ravens.
Additionally, Cincinnati should prefer McCarron get the reps under center anyway. Starting quarterback Andy Dalton isn’t expected to be available in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. Another 60 snaps for McCarron won’t work miracles, but their usefulness is undeniable.
The Bengals are limping into the playoffs, but McCarron at least gives them the chance to enter on a winning note.