Bengals sign QB Keith Wenning after Andy Dalton thumb injury

Keith Wenning is expected to serve as AJ McCarron's back-up while Andy Dalton recovers from a thumb injury.

With Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton set to miss the first start of his career with a thumb injury, the team has signed former Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning off their practice squad.

Wenning was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 194th pick of the 2014 NFL draft. He spent time with the Ravens' and Atlanta Falcons' practice squad but has never played a snap in the NFL.​

Dalton left last week's game against the Steelers early and was replaced by AJ McCarron. Dalton later told reporters that he fractured the thumb on his throwing hand and would see a specialist on Monday. The injury will not require surgery.

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Dalton may miss the remainder of the regular season but could return for the playoffs. Head coach Marvin Lewis said that Dalton would be “out for a bit.”

Dalton has thrown for 25 touchdowns with a passer rating of 106.3 on the season.

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Cincinnati takes on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

- Christopher Chavez