The Bengals placed Sample (Achilles) on injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

This move comes as no surprise, as Sample tore his Achilles during one of the Bengals' practices last week. The Tulane product recorded 29 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and defended one pass across 17 regular-season games in 2023. Expect second-year defensive end Myles Murphy to see more work as a rotational edge rusher with Sample missing all of 2024.

Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Sample will miss the 2024 season after suffering a torn Achilles in practice last week, Paul Dehner of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sample was carted off the practice field Thursday, and the worst-case scenario with regards to his injury has now been confirmed. The Bengals will place the fourth-year defensive end on IR as he turns his attention toward what will be an arduous rehab process ahead of the 2025 campaign. Sample had been slated for a key backup role along Cincinnati's defensive line.

Sample (knee) was carted off the field during practice Thursday, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sample was seen using a scooter with his left knee on the pad in the locker room after practice. It's not clear what injury he may have suffered or the severity, but the use of a scooter would indicate it's likely not a day-to-day injury.

Sample notched six tackles (three solo), including one sack, during Saturday's 22-18 victory versus New England.

EDGE Analysis

Sample notched his second sack of the season while playing in place of injured starter Sam Hubbard (calf) on Sunday. Sample also played a season-high 94 percent of defensive snaps, and he's now lined up for at least 74 percent of Cincinnati's defensive snaps in each of the past two games. Expect Sample to continue stepping up into a starting role if Hubbard remains out for Monday Night Football versus Buffalo in Week 17.

Sample (groin) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sample has resumed practicing in full after having been sidelined by a groin injury since Bengals' divisional-round victory over the Titans. Now, the rotational defensive end can be considered on track for Super Bowl LVI versus the Rams.

Sample (groin) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is the first time Sample has practiced since injuring his groin late in the Bengals' divisional-round victory over the Titans two weeks ago. The defensive end played on at least 35 percent of Cincinnati's defensive snaps over the first two rounds of the playoffs and registered one tackle in the divisional-round. Sample's participation ten days out from the Super Bowl is an encouraging sign for his potential availability in the big game.

Sample (groin) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Chiefs, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Sample will be sidelined for the AFC Championship Game after not being able to practice all week. In Sample's absence, Wyatt Ray and Khalid Kareem are candidates for increased snaps.

Sample (groin) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Chiefs, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sample didn't practice at all this week after suffering the groin injury during the Bengals' divisional-round win over the Titans. In his expected absence, Wyatt Ray and Khalid Kareem could see increased snaps against the Chiefs.

Sample (groin) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sample sustained a groin injury during Saturday's divisional-round win over the Titans. If he hopes to play in this weekend's AFC Championship Game against Kansas City, he'll likely need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday.

Coach Zac Taylor said Sunday that Sample left Saturday's game against the Titans with a groin injury, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sample recorded one tackle before leaving the contest, but it's unclear how serious the injury is. His practice status throughout the week will give a better indication as to whether or not he will be available for the AFC Championship Game.