Fooch's update: Andy Dalton has been ruled out for next week's game against the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are having plenty of problems against Johnny Manziel, but other AFC North injury news could have a big impact on them. The Cincinnati Bengals have declared Andy Dalton out for the rest of their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a thumb injury. He has been spotted on the sideline wearing a hard cast on his right hand.
There is no word on Dalton's status for Week 15, but a hard cast would not seem to bode well for the Bengals. AJ McCarron has taken over at quarterback, and would seemingly be the guy who would start against the 49ers in Week 15. This game was originally scheduled for Sunday Night Football, but it was flexed out given the 49ers struggles. This injury is coming after the flexing, but NBC certainly is not regretting the decision.
The 49ers were going to be at least a touchdown home underdog against the Bengals. The loss of Dalton would lower the line, but I imagine the Bengals will still be favored. The 49ers defense plays better at home than on the road, so that is something to consider. McCarron is not a particularly good quarterback, so it would not surprise me at all to see the 49ers bounce back with a better performance against Cincinnati.