The Facts: Dalton's season has ended on injured reserve, but his future for 2019 is secure. Sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport the starter is expected to be back next season, and his thumb surgery won't change that.

Diehards Line: Dalton told reporters this week that surgery to repair his injured thumb was a success and he should be ready to resume throwing in advance of the start of OTAs. ... Meanwhile, the status of his head coach is much more in doubt. The two-year extension Marvin Lewis signed last year was actually a one-year deal with a team option for 2019. That essentially means the Bengals can walk away from Lewis without a monetary penalty following the season. With potential successor Hue Jackson in the building, Lewis also could move to the front office. That's a possibility.