Andy Dalton's passing hand was finally free on Tuesday, Jason Pierre-Paul Jerseyliberated from the black cast that has covered his right forearm and his spirits for the past three weeks.

And his coach held out the possibility he might have a backup role for the Bengals' playoff game.

Call it one forhttp://www.foot... the thumb.

Dalton ran a couple of plays early in practice on Tuesday and threw a pass - with his left hand - before raising his arm in celebration and heading back to the sideline to continue his conditioning work.

What are [url=http://www.footballgiantsprostore.com/Jayron-Hosley-Jersey]http://www.footb... chances he could be on the active roster when the Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night?

''I'd love to be in there playing,'' Dalton said.

His right thumb will [url=http://www.saintsshopnfl.com/Authentic-Hauoli-Kikaha-Jersey]Hau'oli Kikaha Jerseylikely prevent it.

The AFC North champions are getting AJ McCarron ready to play against [url=http://www.saintsshopnfl.com/Authentic-Hauoli-Kikaha-Jersey]http://www.sain... division rival. Dalton broke the thumb on his passing hand while making a tackle during the Steelers' 33-20 win at Paul Brown Stadium on Dec. 13. McCarron went 2-1 as a starter in the past three games.

Although Dalton got the cast removed on Monday, he has to rebuild the strength in his hand.

Also, he hasn't practiced in three weeks, leaving him rusty - a bad combination for playoff time. So the Bengals are heading into the playoffs with McCarron as the starter.