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

EDGE Analysis

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 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.

EDGE Analysis

Per Ben Baby of ESPN.com, the deal is worth $10.5 million. Sample is coming off a 2023 campaign 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 as questionable for Saturday's game against the Vikings, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.