Drew Sample Injury News & Updates

Sample played 38 offensive snaps (53 percent) Thursday night against the Steelers without a target or even a route run.

Sample has always been a block-first tight end, but this was an extreme result even for him. Then again, with Tanner Hudson out, the Bengals didn't have an alternative as a blocking tight end.

Sample had one catch while losing two yards on two targets in Sunday's loss to the Packers. He played 21 offensive snaps.

Sample could be in line for more playing time Thursday night, with Mike Gesicki (pectoral) out and Tanner Hudson in the concussion protocol. Sample's primary role is as a blocker, however, so that rise in playing time is unlikely to translate into bankable fantasy production.

Sample (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sample upgraded his practice participation throughout the week to gain clearance, as he went from a non-participant Wednesday to a limited participant Thursday before practicing without limitations Friday. Sample's impact in the passing game will likely remain limited, as Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant are ahead of him on the depth chart.

Sample (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sample missed practice Wednesday, so to see him now handling limited reps bodes well for the depth tight end's chances of being cleared to suit up on the road against Green Bay on Sunday. Cincinnati's move to trade for a new starting quarterback in the form of veteran Joe Flacco could provide a spark for this passing game, but both Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant rank ahead of Sample on the depth chart, especially in the receiving game. If Sample can upgrade to full practice reps Friday, he'll likely avoid an injury designation for Week 6.

Sample did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Sample played 41 snaps (27 on offense, 14 on special teams) and logged one catch for minus-1 yard during the Bengals' 37-24 loss to the Lions in Week 5. He has come out of that contest worse for wear with an ankle injury, and he'll have two more opportunities to return to practice and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's contest against the Packers at Lambeau Field. Tanner Hudson and Cam Grandy would be in line to step up as the TE3 behind Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant if Sample is not cleared to play against Green Bay.

Sample failed to record a single target in Monday's 28-3 loss to the Broncos.

Despite fellow tight end Noah Fant (concussion) missing Monday's contest against the Broncos, Sample actually saw a decrease in playing time from Week 3. The veteran tight end played 22 of the Bengals' 48 offensive snaps, behind Mike Gesicki (27) and ahead of both Cam Grandy (4) and Tanner Hudson (1). Through four games, Sample has recorded just three receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown. Based on his limited usage, the 29-year-old remains far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Lions.

Sample (undisclosed) did not appear on the Bengals' injury report Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Sample suffered an undisclosed injury during the preseason, but he now appears to be back to full health. The tight end will operate as a depth option behind Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Browns.

Sample is considered day-to-day with an unspecified injury, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Sample presumably was injured during Monday's preseason win over Washington. He got some first-team snaps in the game, rotating with Noah Fant and Tanner Hudson at tight end, while Mike Gesicki (hamstring) was unavailable. With Gesicki said to be nearing a return, there's not much room for the other tight ends to see enough targets for fantasy relevance. Fant and Hudson offer more pass-catching potential than Sample, in any case, considering the seventh-year Bengal has 100 catches and just four TDs in 78 regular-season games. It sounds like Sample's injury isn't considered serious, potentially allowing him to fill his usual block-first role come Week 1 at Cleveland.

Sample tied a season-high with four catches in Saturday's Week 18 win over the Steelers, netting just 14 yards. For the season Sample caught 20 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Sample has been a blocking-first tight end for most of his career, dating back to his college days at the University of Washington. This season falls sharply in line with his career production.

Sample (groin) is active for Saturday's game against the Steelers.

Sample was expected to play in Saturday's regular-season finale despite missing practice all week due to a groin injury. Sample will serve as the Bengals' No. 2 tight end behind Mike Gesicki.

Sample (groin) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against Pittsburgh.

Head coach Zac Taylor relayed Thursday that Sample is expected to play despite missing practice all week due to a groin injury, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. In the five games since the Bengals' Week 12 bye, Sample has caught seven passes on as many targets for 44 yards while serving as the No. 2 tight end behind Mike Gesicki. Tanner Hudson would see an increased snap count on offense if Sample was limited in his playing time or ruled out entirely.

Sample was deemed a non-participant in Tuesday's practice walkthrough due to a groin issue, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

This is the first word of the tight end dealing with a groin issue, and it's currently unclear how severe the injury is. Sample handled about his usual workload this past Saturday against Denver, logging 51 offensive snaps and recording one catch on one target for three yards. Sample isn't typically a big part of the Bengals' air attack, but his effective blocking would be missed if he can't suit up Saturday versus Pittsburgh.

Sample was on the field for 49 of the Bengals' 71 snaps on offense and recorded two receptions for 13 yards on two targets in Monday's 27-20 win over the Cowboys.

Sample comfortably paced Bengals tight ends in playing time, logging more snaps than Mike Gesicki (20), Cam Grandy (17) and Tanner Hudson (14). While it's not out of the ordinary for Sample to lead the group in snaps, he functions primarily as a blocker when he's on the field and typically isn't as involved in the passing game compared to Gesicki and Hudson, both of whom have logged more targets, receptions and receiving yards on the season.

Sample recorded two receptions for eight yards on two targets in Sunday's 44-38 loss to the Steelers.

Sample's 39 snaps paced all Cincinnati tight ends, ranking ahead of Mike Gesicki (27), Tanner Hudson (12) and Cam Grandy (nine). Though he's now played more than half of Cincinnati's offensive snaps in each of the last four games, Sample brings most of his value as a blocker and isn't as involved in the passing game as Gesicki and Hudson. Sample has still managed to produce a 7-31-1 receiving line on eight targets over that four-game stretch, exceeding his combined output from the first eight weeks of the season (four catches for 28 yards and no touchdowns on five targets).

Sample did not see any targets in Thursday's loss to the Ravens.

Sample had his best game of the season with four catches and a touchdown in Week 9 against Las Vegas, but he was back to being a non-factor Thursday. Meanwhile, Bengals No. 1 tight end Mike Gesicki caught four passes on nine targets for 30 yards against Baltimore and Tanner Hudson notched six catches on seven targets for 42 yards and a touchdown. Sample did finish second among the team's tight ends with 46 offensive snaps, but with zero receptions in seven of his 10 contests this season, he can't be counted on for offensive production on a weekly basis.

Sample hauled in all four of his targets for 14 yards and a touchdown during the Bengals' win over the Raiders on win.

Sample was one of four different Cincinnati receivers to haul in a touchdown pass from Joe Burrow during Sunday's blowout win. Sample has now caught eight of his nine targets for 42 yards and a touchdown across nine games this season.

Sample didn't draw a target while playing 26 of the Bengals' 53 snaps on offense in Sunday's 17-7 win over the Giants.

Though Sample paced the Bengals four active tight ends in snaps, the rookie Erick All was the only member of the quartet that drew a target on the evening. Sample has handled snap shares north of 40 percent in each of Cincinnati's first four contest, but he's on the field primarily for his prowess as a blocker. He's been targeted just four times across his 169 offensive snaps on the season.

Sample secured all three of his targets for 28 yards in Sunday's 26-25 loss to the Chiefs.

Sample played 33 of the Bengals' 64 offensive snaps, splitting time with fellow tight ends Mike Gesicki and Erick All. The veteran's minimal production is to be expected with Gesicki operating as the clear top option at tight end while seeing a team-high nine targets in the contest. Going forward, Sample should not be trusted for fantasy purposes. The Bengals will host the Commanders in Week 3.

Sample failed to record a single target in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Patriots.

Despite not seeing a target Sunday, Sample played the most offensive snaps (27) of any Cincinnati tight end. The Bengals found it hard to move the ball against a formidable New England defense, and the veteran tight end wasn't a factor in the passing game. Teammate Mike Gesicki, however, was the preferred target at tight end for Joe Burrow, seeing four targets in the contest. Sample will likely continue to see an uphill battle for targets when the Bengals square off against the Chiefs in Week 2.

Sample has signed a three-year contract extension with the Bengals.

Sample is coming off a 2023 camapign in which he recorded 22 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular season games. While the 2019 second-rounder is back in the fold, Sample's potential workload, and in turn fantasy upside, in 2024 hinges on what other moves the Bengals make at the tight end position in free agency and the draft.

Sample played in all 17 games for the Bengals in 2023, recording 22 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns.

The tight end finished the season second on the depth chart behind Tanner Hudson. Sample will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Cincinnati does not yet have any tight ends under contract for 2024.

Sample caught three of four targets for 21 yards in Sunday's 25-17 loss to the Chiefs.

Sample saw his highest snap share of the season Sunday, playing 72 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps. The veteran tight end caught three passes for the second-straight week, but he continued his string of modest production this season. In 16 games, Sample has recorded just 20 receptions for 156 and two touchdowns. The 27-year-old will look to stay involved and finish the season on a high note when the Bengals host the Browns in Week 18.

Sample caught all three of his targets for 38 yards in Saturday's 34-11 loss to the Steelers.

Sample's three receptions tied a season-high for the veteran, while his 38 yards were the most he's gained in a single contest in 2023. The 27-year-old played 55 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps, ahead of both Tanner Hudson (50) and Mitchell Wilcox (23). Despite his increased involvement against the Steelers, Sample should remain far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Chiefs.

Sample was targeted once on 40 offensive snaps in Saturday's overtime win over the Vikings.

Frequently Sample lined up in the backfield to help pick up the numerous blitzes from the Vikings' Brian Flores-designed defense. He hasn't had more than two targets in a game since Week 10.

Sample (illness) is listed as active for Saturday's game against the Vikings.

Sample was a late addition to the Bengals' Week 15 injury report, but he'll give it a go Saturday and will continue to log tight end reps along with Tanner Hudson, Mitchell Wilcox and Irv Smith. In 13 games this season, Sample has logged a 14/97/2 receiving line on 17 targets, a pace that limits his fantasy utility to deep formats.

The Bengals added Sample (illness) to the injury report Friday, listing him questionable for Saturday's game against the Vikings, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

If Sample were to miss Saturday's game, the Bengals' four-man weave at tight end would be reduced to three, featuring Tanner Hudson, Mitchell Wilcox and Irv Smith. Sample paced the group in playing time last week against the Colts, seeing action on 19 snaps.

Sample caught his lone target for an 11 yard touchdown in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Steelers.

Sample played the most snaps (19) at tight end for the Bengals, ahead of Irv Smith (16) ,Tanner Hudson (13) and Mitchell Wilcox (12). The veteran's touchdown was just his second of the season while his usage in the passing attack has been minimal throughout 2023. As part of a crowded tight end room splitting playing time, Sample is not a trustworthy fantasy option for consistent production. The Bengals are set to face off against the Jaguars in Week 13.

Sample had two catches for 19 yards while playing only 17 offensive snaps in Thursday's loss to the Ravens.

Tanner Hudson's emergence has taken snaps away from both Sample and Irv Smith, and the 17 snaps on Thursday were Sample's lowest since Week 4.

Sample caught two of his three targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Texans.

Sample played 23 of the Bengals' 64 offensive snaps Sunday, just ahead of Irv Smith (21) and Tanner Hudson (20). The near-even split in snaps amongst Cincinnati's tight ends will likely continue to limit the 27-year-old's potential for consistent production going forward. Sample is extremely difficult to trust for fantasy purposes heading into a Week 11 matchup with the Ravens.

Sample caught three passes for 30 yards and his first touchdown of the year against the Bills on Sunday night. He was targeted a season-high four times.

All three Bengals tight ends were targeted more than they usually are against the Bills. Prior to Sunday night, most of Sample's snaps required him to stay in and block, a tendency that the Bengals exploited on a clever play for his touchdown.

Sample secured his only target for minus-1 yard in Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Titans.

Sample was a non-factor Sunday, seeing just one target for the second-straight week. The veteran's 17 offensive snaps were the third-most among tight ends, with both Tanner Hudson and Mitchell Wilcox handling more snaps in the contest. Top tight end Irv Smith was ruled out for Week 4 with a hamstring injury, but Sample remained an afterthought in the Bengals' struggling offense. The 27-year-old should be left out of fantasy lineups going into a Week 5 matchup with the Cardinals.

Sample went without a target across 13 snaps on offense Sunday in the Bengals' 27-24 loss to the Ravens.

Sample has now logged 31 snaps on offense through the first two weeks of the season but has yet to draw a look in the passing game from quarterback Joe Burrow. So long as Irv Smith stays healthy, he'll be entrenched as Cincinnati's top tight end and will continue to dominate the snaps and targets among the position group.

Sample re-signed a with the Bengals on a one-year deal Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Sample has spent the entirety of his four-year career in Cincinnati and will now be tied to them for next season as well. The 26-year-old appeared in just two games last season before injuring both his MCL and PCL and logged two catches for negative two yards. Heading into next season, Sample will look to compete for playing time behind presumptive starter Irv Smith.

The Cardinals brought in Sample (knee) for a workout Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Sample appeared in just two games with the Bengals last year before he sustained a season-ending MCL/PCL injury in his right knee in mid-September. The 27-year-old tight end underwent surgery to address the damage in his knee shortly after this injury, and he was not retained by Cincinnati this offseason. Therefore, his ability to go through a workout with Arizona is a good sign for his potential availability just under five months away from the start of the 2023 regular season. Sample never made a significant impact as a receiver over the first four seasons of his career, so he should vie for a role as a No. 2 tight end with any team that signs him this offseason.

Sample missed most of the season after suffering a knee injury against the Cowboys in Week 2. He ended up with two catches for -2 yards on the season, and will be a free agent this offseason.

Sample never really developed into a major receiving option in his four years with the Bengals, after being a second-round pick in the 2019 draft. He's one of three Bengals tight ends that will hit the free agent market this offseason.

Sample (knee) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

As expected, Sample will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering damage to his MCL and PCL in his right knee Sept. 18 versus the Cowboys. The 26-year-old has a chance to return in early December, though that seems unlikely. Mitchell Wilcox will replace Sample as the top reserve option behind Hayden Hurst at tight end for the time being.

Head coach Zac Taylor said the Bengals will place Sample (knee) on injured reserve in the next couple of days, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reprots.

Sample underwent surgery on his right knee following the team's Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. His return timetable is unclear, but it's possible he'll miss the entire campaign after initial tests revealed damage to his MCL and PCL, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. In Sample's absence, Mitchell Wilcox has stepped up as the Bengals' top backup tight end behind Hayden Hurst.

Sample will likely be forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season due to MCL and PCL damage in his right knee, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Tuesday that Sample is set to undergo surgery following a right knee injury suffered during Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. While the tight end was initially expected to be sidelined for at least a few months, it now appears that he will sit out the rest of the year after initial tests revealed damage to his MCL and PCL, according to Fowler. Sample played recorded 11 catches for 81 yards while playing 440 offensive snaps last season, and he will now look to work his way back from this injury as he approaches free agency this offseason. In his stead, Cincinnati will likely turn to Mitchell Wilcox to step up as the team's No. 2 tight end behind Hayden Hurst.

Coach Zac Taylor said Tuesday that Sample (knee) will have surgery soon and be out a few months, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Sample suffered the right knee injury during Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Cowboys. He'll likely head to IR, leaving the Bengals with only two healthy tight ends -- Hayden Hurst and Mitchell Wilcox. Devin Asiasi (quadriceps) has yet to suit up this year, and it's unclear when he'll make his season debut.

Sample has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cowboys due to a right knee injury.

Sample hauled in his lone target for minus-4 yards to begin Sunday's matchup, but he sustained a knee injury in the second quarter and was unable to return. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available for the Bengals' Week 3 matchup against the Jets next Sunday.

Sample (ankle) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice.

Sample had to be carted off the field after suffering a knee injury at the beginning of August, but the details of the issue were never released. The 2019 second-round pick missed the entire preseason, but he appears to be full go ahead of Week 1. If available Sunday, Sample is projected to be the primary backup behind newcomer Hayden Hurst to start the 2022 campaign.

Sample (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Paul Dehner and Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Sample had to be carted off the practice field after suffering a knee injury at the beginning of August, but the details of the issue were never released. He was spotted with a brace and crutches later in the week, and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he'd be sidelined for a couple of weeks. The 2019 second-round pick sat out the entire preseason, but he appears to be ramping up after garnering pads for the first time since the initial injury. If healthy, Sample is expected to be the primary backup to newcomer Hayden Hurst to start the season.

Sample sported a brace on his leg and was walking with a crutch Friday after being carted off the field due to a knee injury in Thursday's practice, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sample's left leg injury has been specified as a knee injury. While an exact timetable for the tight end's return hasn't been provided, Sample seems unlikely to play in the Aug. 12 preseason opener against Arizona and will probably miss time beyond that as well.

Sample was carted off the Bengals' practice field Thursday after having his left leg evaluated by the team's training staff, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

It's unclear what was ailing Sample's left leg, but it was apparently significant enough for him to leave practice early. The 26-year-old tight end was relegated to a relatively minor receiving role while playing behind starter C.J. Uzomah for Cincinnati last year, totaling just 11 catches for 81 yards on 15 targets. Sample figures to once again serve as the team's No. 2 tight end behind Hayden Hurst, who joined the Bengals on a one-year deal in March.

Sample secured 11 of 15 targets for 81 yards across 17 appearances in 2021.

Sample was targeted 53 times across 16 regular-season appearances in 2020, but the third year of his NFL career has seen him take a clear back seat to C.J. Uzomah. The 2019 second-round pick has one more year on his rookie deal with Cincinnati, but his opportunities on offense could be slim again in the 2022 campaign.

Sample (foot) does not have an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against Baltimore, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

Sample did not practice Wednesday and was a limited participant Thursday, but he was able to return to a full session Friday. He'll take on his usual role as the Bengals' No. 2 tight end behind C.J. Uzomah on Sunday.

Sample didn't participate in Wednesday's practice session due to a foot injury, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Sample secured his lone target for two yards in Sunday's win over Denver, and he apparently sustained a foot injury in the contest. It's not yet clear whether the injury will prevent him from suiting up Sunday against the Ravens.

Sample caught his only target for 14 yards during Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Sample was on the field for 18 of the Bengals' 67 offensive snaps, while starting tight end C.J. Uzomah played 58 snaps. The 25-year-old has just seven catches on the season and typically serves as a blocker when he is on the field. Sample offers little fantasy value as a No. 2 tight end on a team with numerous pass-catching options.

Sample failed to see a single target in Sunday's 41-22 loss to the Chargers.

Sample saw the field for 26 of the Bengals' 76 offensive snaps in the contest, while starting tight end C.J. Uzomah played on 66 snaps. Sample offers little to no fantasy value as a No. 2 tight end, as the 25-year-old is typically not involved much in the passing game. The 6-foot-4, 258-pounder would be the next man up if Uzomah were to be sidelined with an injury. Even then, Sample would likely struggle to produce consistently for fantasy on an offense loaded with talented pass catchers.

Sample failed to see a single target in Sunday's 41-10 win over the Steelers.

Sample played on 39 of the Bengals' 68 offensive snaps, just six fewer than starting tight end C.J. Uzomah. The 25-year-old was not targeted in the blowout as the Bengals blew out the Steelers, and quarterback Joe Burrow only threw for 190 yards. Instead, Joe Mixon and the running game was the focal point of the team's offense. Sample remains off the fantasy radar with his only path to any type of relevance being an injury to Uzomah.

Sample logged three receptions for 36 yards on three targets Sunday in the Bengals' 41-16 loss to the Browns.

After falling behind by two touchdowns at halftime and by 24 points after three quarters, the Bengals were forced to abandon the run. As a result, Sample and fellow tight end C.J. Uzomah (five targets) had fewer blocking responsibilities and were more involved as route runners than usual. The four targets were a season-high total for Sample, who hadn't drawn a look in the passing game in either of the Bengals' prior two contests.

Sample secured two of four targets for nine yards in Sunday's 25-22 loss to the Packers.

Sample saw his first offensive snaps in Week 5, having only played on special teams to start the year. The 25-year-old was in on 21 of the team's 67 offensive snaps, compared to the 56 snaps played by C.J. Uzomah, the team's No. 1 tight end. Sample is irrelevant for fantasy purposes, but an injury to Uzomah would clear a path to more opportunities within the offense. Even then, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd would continue to demand the most looks in the passing game. The Bengals get a Week 6 matchup against the winless Lions.

Sample enters the season behind C.J. Uzomah on the Bengals' initial depth chart.

Last season in the only game in which Uzomah was healthy, Sample saw action on 24 offensive snaps and received just one target. The Bengals run with an "11" formation as much as anyone in the NFL, so it's possible that Sample's workload will mirror what happened in Week 1 last season more than the workload he received after Uzomah got hurt.

Sample finished the 2020 season with 40 catches for 349 yards and his first NFL touchdown.

While Sample won't be drawing comparisons to Travis Kelce anytime soon, the 2019 second-round pick from the University of Washington did make important strides, taking advantage of the playing time resulting from C.J. Uzomah's season-ending injury.

Sample caught an eight-yard touchdown pass in Sunday's 37-31 win over the Texans.

The 2019 second-round pick has produced some notable games this season with C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) out of the picture, but this was his first trip to the end zone. Sample has now produced a 38-334-1 line on 50 targets this season.

Sample had three catches for 21 yards on four targets in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys.

Sample's activity has picked up the last four weeks, as he's had four or more targets each of those weeks. But that hasn't translated into that much production, as most of those targets have been short check-downs. He still doesn't have a touchdown this season, and his highest yardage total was 52 yards.

Sample secured all seven targets for 49 yards in the Bengals' 19-7 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Sample surprisingly tied Tee Higgins for the team lead in targets while setting the pace in receptions, with slot receiver Tyler Boyd's first-half ejection very likely playing a pivotal part in the tight end's elevated role. Sample has had numerous solid efforts during his second season, but Sunday's catch tally tied a career high, while his target total checked in as his second-highest of the season. Sample's production is likely to continue fluctuating week to week, but he could enjoy relatively robust volume again in a favorable Week 14 matchup against the Cowboys, especially considering current Bengals quarterbacks Brandon Allen (chest) and Ryan Finley have run conservative attacks thus far in place of Joe Burrow (IR-knee).

Sample caught four passes for 40 yards on five targets, but also coughed up a critical fumble in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

The fumble came in the fourth quarter deep in Bengals territory and ultimately led to the Giants' final field goal, one that would provide their margin of victory in the 19-17 game.

Sample had two catches for 29 yards on four targets in Sunday's loss to the Football Team.

Sample remains without an NFL touchdown through the first 19 games of his career. He didn't add much in the blocking aspect of the game either - he was the lowest rated offensive regular using Pro Football Focus's ratings, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Sample had just one catch on two targets for nine yards in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

That's two consecutive games where Sample has been nearly invisible on offense, despite playing 57 snaps. Sample has yet to score this season, and outside of two games against Cleveland, he has had eight catches in the remaining seven Bengals games this year.

Sample had five catches for 52 yards on six targets in Sunday's loss to the Browns, playing 73 offensive snaps, good for a 97 percent snap share.

Sample is getting a good workload, but hasn't yet scored this season, despite eight Red Zone targets, including three inside the 10 yard-line. He's not going to be a top-five tight end anytime soon, but he's pretty close to breaking his season projection halfway through the campaign.

Sample didn't catch his lone target in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Colts.

Sample has largely underwhelmed since C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) was ruled out for the season, as he's posted a 6-70-0 line while getting targeted just nine times over the last four games. He's getting plenty of playing time, recording at least a 75 percent snap share in each contest. The 2019 second-round pick's not dependable in redraft fantasy leagues, but he'll be a valuable DFS option if he happens to fall into the end zone.

Sample caught both of his targets Sunday against the Ravens, netting 22 yards.

The Bengals next face the Colts, who allowed 10 targets and five catches to Austin Hooper in Week 5, so Sample might have a bigger role in Week 6.

Sample had three catches for 47 yards on five targets in the Bengals' win over Jacksonville on Sunday. He was also the targeted receiver on Joe Burrow's lone interception, a play in the end zone where Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack outfought Sample for the ball after it initially ricocheted off of Sample's facemask.

Sample was on the field for 64 offensive plays (85 percent), more than any of the other Bengals running backs, wide receivers or fellow tight end Cethan Carter. Despite the end zone miscue, he's becoming more than just a blocking or check-down tight end for Burrow.

With C.J. Uzomah out for the season, Sample is in line for a permanent role at tight end with the Bengals, sharing the snaps with Cethan Carter and Mason Schreck.

It was a bit of a surprise that the Bengals took Sample in the second round last season, especially as he had little in the way of receiving history at the University of Washington. Now with Uzomah out he's been thrust into a prominent role as a check down option for Joe Burrow, beginning with a matchup against the Eagles, who just gave up three touchdowns to Tyler Higbee last week.

Sample secured seven of 10 targets for 45 yards in the Bengals' 35-30 loss to the Browns on Thursday.

The 2019 second-round pick's role in the passing game quickly become more prominent upon C.J. Uzomah's Achilles injury in the fourth quarter. Sample caught several short passes down the stretch as Joe Burrow checked down underneath against the Browns' nickel and dime defenses, and he was able to make good uses of his opportunities overall. The University of Washington product saw his rookie season cut short due to a Week 10 ankle injury, but if Uzomah's injury is deemed to be a long-term one, Sample would be set for primary tight end duties in his absence beginning with a Week 3 road battle against the Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Sample (ankle) is healthy and ready to go in 2020, James Rapien of Sports Illustrated reports.

Sample's rookie season with the Bengals was cut short after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 10. Prior to that he had accrued just 30 yards on five receptions. The 24-year-old was selected by Cincinnati in the second-round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He only played a limited role on offense last season, but with Tyler Eifert departing for Jacksonville he figures to see an expanded role in 2020. He will presumably compete with C.J. Uzomah for playing time.

The Bengals expect Sample (ankle) to handle a larger role in 2020, Paul Dehner of The Athletic reports.

The 2019 second-round pick operated as the Bengals' No. 3 tight end during his rookie season, recording five catches on 108 offensive snaps in nine games before a high ankle sprain sent him to injured reserve. He'll now have a chance to take on some of the work that previously went to Tyler Eifert, who saw 63 targets last season and then signed with the Jaguars in March. C.J. Uzomah is also a candidate to handle some of those snaps and targets, and he'll likely line up as the No. 1 tight end whenever practices begin. The Bengals may also add to their TE room during the 2020 NFL Draft, but Dehner believes it isn't one of the team's bigger priorities. Sample should have plenty of time to recover from his high ankle sprain, if he hasn't already.

Sample (ankle) was placed on injured reserve by the Bengals on Saturday, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sample suffered a high-ankle sprain on Nov. 11 in a matchup with the Ravens. The severity of the injury will keep him out for the remainder of the year. Drafted in the second-round, the rookie tight end will finish his season with five receptions for 30 yards in nine games.

Sample (ankle) is ruled out for Sunday's tilt against the Browns, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sample is set to miss a fourth straight game due to his lingering right ankle injury. The Bengals will roll with Tyler Eifert, C.J. Uzomah, Mason Schreck and Cethan Carter at the tight end position in Cleveland on Sunday.

Sample (ankle) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Sample will miss his third straight game since suffering the right ankle injury Week 10 against the Ravens. Tyler Eifert and C.J. Uzomah are the team's only healthy tight ends since Cethan Carter (concussion) is also ruled out.

Sample has a high-ankle sprain, and he's considered a candidate for IR, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Sample will undergo additional testing to determine a timeline for his return, but the winless Bengals may opt to shut down their rookie second-rounder to avoid unnecessary aggravation. The nature of the injury will keep him out at least through Week 11's matchup against the Raiders. Cethan Carter will work as the No. 3 right end in Sample's place.

Sample wore a boot on his right foot after injuring his ankle during Sunday's loss to the Ravens, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Sample didn't return after sustaining this injury Sunday, and his status is uncertain for Week 11's matchup against the Raiders. We'll know more when the Bengals release their first official injury report following Wednesday's practice. Sample has five catches for 30 yards this year, and Cethan Carter would bump into the No. 3 role if Sample's unable to play.

Sample was forced out of Sunday's game against the Ravens with an ankle injury, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Sample hauled in a three-yard pass before exiting the contest. If he's unable to return, Cethan Carter could see an increase in duties behind Tyler Eifert and C.J. Uzomah.