Bengals' QB Blake To Miss Finale

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

December 21, 1998 / 9:33 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

Quarterback Jeff Blake won't play in the Cincinnati Bengals' final game because of his broken wrist.

Blake chipped the small bone at the base of the thumb on his throwing hand in the second quarter of a 25-24 victory over Pittsburgh last Sunday, but missed only four plays.

He had hoped to play Sunday against Tampa Bay, but was advised that it's best to rest and let the wrist begin healing. The Bengals announced Wednesday that Paul Justin will start and Eric Kresser will be the backup.

Doctors decided that Blake won't need surgery. He had a cast put on the wrist on Wednesday.