Jim Owczarski

jowczarski@enquirer.com

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis never ruled Andy Dalton out this week during his meetings with the media, but on the team's final injury report released Friday afternoon, the quarterback was definitively listed as "out" for Saturday's Wild Card playoff game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Along with Dalton, H-back Ryan Hewitt (knee) and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (knee), who was put on injured reserve on Wednesday, were also ruled out.

Lewis did say the team would prepare like AJ McCarron would be the starter, and there is no question that he will be. And, Dalton will once again be inactive. Keith Wenning will back up McCarron.

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There was progress with Dalton this week, as he had the cast on his fractured right thumb removed. But, the best he was able to manage in the open portions of practice was putting his gloved right hand on the ball in practice. He did not throw.

The Bengals now move forward with McCarron, but they believe he can help them win the first playoff game for the franchise since 1991.

ATKINS, WHITWORTH EARN ALL-PRO HONOR

"Geno's back."

It was said from the beginning of training camp through the end of the season, and the postseason honors have confirmed that for Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins. First, he led the Pro Bowl fan voting among all players at his position before earning his fourth trip to Hawaii as a starter.

Then, on Friday, the Associated Press named him an All-Pro for the second time in his career. The first came in 2012. Atkins finished the regular season with 11 sacks and a forced fumble.

Left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who also received a Pro Bowl nod, earned his first All-Pro distinction as well.

The 10th-year veteran was voted into the Pro Bowl for the first time (he was an alternate in 2012), and by many of the advanced statistical breakdowns, he has turned in one of the league's best showings along the offensive line.

STEELERS RULE OUT WILLIAMS

According to a tweet from Pittsburgh communications coordinator Burt Lauten, the Steelers have ruled out running back DeAngelo Williams for Saturday night with an ankle injury.

Williams was hurt last week against Cleveland, and his loss is a severe blow for the Steelers' offense. Now, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman will see the bulk of the workload behind Ben Roethlisberger. Toussaint, a Youngstown native, relieved Williams last week and rushed for just 24 yards on 12 carries. On the year he has carried the ball 18 times for 42 yards. Todman has carried the ball four times for 22 yards.