Bengals Defensive Line Depth Takes Hit With Cam Sample’s Season-Ending Injury

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Monday that defensive lineman Cam Sample tore his Achilles last week in practice.

Sample was one of several players to leave Thursday’s practice, which was the hottest and longest of training camp. But unlike others who walked off dealing with heat and hydration issues, Sample fell hard to the ground as teammates dropped to a knee around him.

The trainers called for the cart almost immediately, and Sample’s expression and demeanor as he rode off suggested it was serious.

Cam Sample Injury Creates Opening for Young Edge Rushers

The injury ends Sample’s season and possibly his time in Cincinnati, as the 2021 fourth-round pick from Charlotte will be a free agent in 2025.

“Consistent player and consistent person,” Taylor said of Sample. “He’s a top notch human being, effects everybody the right way. He’s always embraced his role and kind of been a, ‘whatever  I can do to help the team win,’ type of guy since we drafted him.

“I can remember watching him at the Senior Bowl, watching his Tulane tape. We were so excited to have him once we got him in the draft,” Taylor continued. “He’s been what we hoped. Played a lot of different roles for us in a lot of different defensive looks. Played some huge games for us and been big part of what we’ve achieved as a team.”

Sample has appeared in 47 of a possible 51 games since being drafted by the Bengals, despite logging only three starts. Sample played 34% of the snaps in 2023, which was down slightly from the 40% he logged in 2022.

Sample recorded only five sacks in his first three seasons, but he has a penchant for making big plays in key moments.

SACK PACK‼️ @GermainePratt7 X @cameron_sample#CINatCLE | 📺 @paramountplus, CBS pic.twitter.com/e29mBEQRNK

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 10, 2023

Last year, in the 17-13 win against the Seattle Seahawks, Sample had one sack and a season-high three pressures as the Bengals held on for a key win to get their season back to .500 after a 1-3 start.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo praised the 6-3, 272-pound Sample after the game.

“He’s shown a knack of being around a quarterback,” he said. “He’s not going to wow you with his —  sorry, Cam — but his size. He’s just a good football player. And he’s smart. He knows where to be.

“Once you earn our trust … and how do you do that? You do it by being consistent, and here he is,” Anarumo continued. “He’s been a guy we can count on him. So we’ll put him out there in critical situations.”

The loss of Sample creates an opening on a deep and talented defensive line.

While the Bengals praised his versatility to play inside and off the edge after drafting him, Sample lined up almost exclusively outside.

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With Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Myles Murphy locks for the 53-man roster and Joseph Ossai, whom Cincinnati selected on round ahead of Sample in 2021, a near certainty, there is one spot remaining.

Sample’s absence will create a greater opportunity for 2022 seventh-round pick Jeff Gunter, rookie sixth-round pick Cedric Johnson, and undrafted free agent Justin Blazek.