The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... If the Bengals knock off the Steelers tonight night, will Dalton return for the Divisional Round? Don't bank on it. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that it's no sure thing the Bengals passer plays next week, per sources informed of the situation.

Diehards Line: Dalton has yet to commence throwing and won't even know if he can practice until Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest. Rapoport was told that two primary unanswered questions linger for the Bengals and their quarterback: One, how will Dalton's fractured thumb acclimate to throwing? Two, has the bone in his thumb fully healed? Dalton will have to pass a scan before team doctors clear him for practice. AJ McCarron will continue to fill in as needed. We'll know more on Dalton next week, but it won't matter unless the Bengals take care of business against the Steelers this evening.