Samaje Perine

Cincinnati Bengals
Running Back #34
Cincinnati Bengals
Running Back #34

Samaje Perine News RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Set for Expanded Role Moving Forward?

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had easily his best game of the year in the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets, carrying the ball a season-high nine times for a season-high 94 rushing yards and his first touchdown of 2025. He also caught his only target for a six-yard gain. The 30-year-old veteran's touchdown came on a 32-yard scamper to put the Bengals up comfortably at the time in the third quarter. Perine also had seven carries in Week 7 for 31 yards, which at the time represented a high mark for the season. It was a nice showing for the veteran back this past Sunday, but Chase Brown also continued his upward trend with 108 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 15 touches. Brown will continue to be Cincy's RB1, though, making Perine nothing more than a deep-league handcuff. He is only rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues.

Oct 29, 2025 11:31 PM EST


Samaje Perine Rushes for Nearly 100 Yards

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine posted his best game of the season during Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Perine rushed nine time for 94 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The 30-year-old remains the backup in Cincinnati, but has seen more work lately. In fact, Perine has seen his carries increase every game since Week 5. Chase Brown remains the starter, but Perine could be forcing more of a split backfield if he continues playing like this. Perine could be worth a stash for fantasy managers in need of running back depth.

Oct 27, 2025 9:47 PM EST



Samaje Perine Earning More Early-Down Work in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded a season-high seven carries in his team's Week 7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran back has been eating into the workload of Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in recent weeks, as Perine has logged at least 28 offensive snaps in three straight games for Cincinnati. Perine's upside remains limited, as he's recorded just 123 yards from scrimmage on 28 touches across seven games so far this season. However, the Bengals get a favorable matchup in Week 8 against the New York Jets, which helps Perine's fantasy outlook. Still, expectations for what Perine's upside should remain limited. He's currently ranked as RB45 by RotoBaller in half-PPR scoring heading into Week 8.

Oct 24, 2025 10:51 AM EST


Samaje Perine Still Not a Practical Fantasy Option in Week 6

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had only 52 yards off nine carries in the first five games of the 2025 campaign, adding four receptions for eight yards. While most assumed Chase Brown would lead the way out of the backfield this season, fantasy managers are still disappointed with Perine's lack of involvement and production. The 30-year-old logged 29 snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions, suggesting more involvement could be on the horizon for the Week 6 meeting with the Green Bay Packers. However, until Perine does something meaningful to benefit managers, it's best to leave him out of any fantasy lineup versus the Packers. That outlook likely won't change in the weeks ahead unless Brown goes down with an injury.

Oct 11, 2025 1:42 PM EST


Samaje Perine Avoids Serious Thumb Injury, Could Play in Week 4

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (thumb), who left the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday with a thumb injury, avoided a serious injury and has not been ruled out for next Monday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. An MRI exam ruled out significant damage to Perine's thumb. The 30-year-old veteran could play against his former team, the Broncos, but he won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar if he does. Perine saw his first rushing work of the season in Sunday's 48-10 blowout loss in Minnesota, carrying the ball four times for 21 yards before getting hurt. He will continue to handle a change-of-pace role behind starter Chase Brown if he's active, but it's unlikely to result in much volume or production, especially with backup quarterback Jake Browning now running Cincy's offense.

Sep 22, 2025 3:34 PM EST



Samaje Perine Won't Return in Week 3

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (right thumb) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 3 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He exited the contest late in the second quarter after fumbling the football. Cincinnati initially listed him as questionable before eventually downgrading him to out. He finishes Sunday's game with four carries, 21 rushing yards, four kick returns, 88 return yards, and the fumble. Tahj Brooks will operate as Chase Brown's backup until Perine is healthy again.

Sep 21, 2025 3:14 PM EST


Samaje Perine Remains No. 2 Back, Still Nowhere Near a Starting Fantasy Option

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine caught only two passes for six yards in the Week 1 win over the Browns. It's hard to play worse than that. However, that's exactly what happened in Week 2 versus Jacksonville, with Perine finishing without a blip in any statistical category. While the 30-year-old continues to serve as the backup to running back Chase Brown, he likely won't be given many opportunities to produce in the Week 3 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, no matter if he logs more than the 20 snaps he had against the Jags. With Jake Browning under center in place of the injured Joe Burrow (toe), Perine's outlook remains the same. Keep him out of any fantasy lineup on Sunday.

Sep 20, 2025 5:18 PM EST


Samaje Perine not Worthy of a Start (or Roster Spot) in Week 2

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had two catches for six yards in the Week 1 win over the Browns. The veteran re-signed with the Bengals during the offseason, marking his third stint with the team. Most assumed he'd be routinely involved. However, that wasn't the case versus Cleveland, with Perine logging only 13 offensive snaps compared to Chase Brown's 39. Tahj Brooks didn't do anything. While that suggests the 29-year-old has a firm grasp over the rookie for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, neither man isn't expected to have a consistent role in the offense moving ahead. That also applies to the Week 2 meeting with the Jags. As a result, fantasy managers should keep Perine on the bench. Better yet, he shouldn't even be on most fantasy rosters, although that could change if Brown gets hurt at some point throughout the 2025 campaign.

Sep 13, 2025 3:15 PM EST


Samaje Perine Not a Viable Fantasy Option in Week 1

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine agreed to a two-year deal in March, marking his third stint with the team. He spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he accounted for only two touchdowns. It's safe to say Perine was most productive during his previous tenure with the Bengals. However, Chase Brown is the undisputed No. 1 option on the depth chart, and he isn't projected to leave many snaps for Perine or rookie Tahj Brooks. Fantasy managers can expect the 29-year-old to get the bulk of his opportunities as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He may also get a few carries alongside Brooks. With that said, Perine likely won't get enough work to make him a viable fantasy option versus the Cleveland Browns, so managers should keep him out of the lineup.

Sep 6, 2025 1:59 PM EST


Samaje Perine Expected To Have A Passing-Down Role

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is expected to have a lesser version of the two-minute, passing-down role that he held near the end of his first tenure with the organization, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Perine spent the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons with the Bengals and secured 38 receptions in his final season with the team. After a year with Denver and a year with Kansas City, he's back in Joe Burrow's offense and will have somewhat of a role in the backfield. However, the 29-year-old is likely well past his prime, and Chase Brown showed enough to have confidence in him as a starting fantasy football running back in 2025. Either way, Perine could be worth rostering in deeper PPR setups based on this report.

May 1, 2025 3:25 PM EST


Samaje Perine Reuniting With Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing back running back Samaje Perine on a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Perine spent was with the organization for four years before joining the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal last offseason. Overall, the 2017 fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma has rushed for 1,922 yards and nine touchdowns on 474 carries in 104 career games. The 29-year-old is a reliable pass-blocker and could carve out a role behind Chase Brown, but he has limited fantasy football upside barring a Brown injury.

Mar 10, 2025 3:44 PM EST


Samaje Perine To Lead Backfield In Season Finale

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine will face the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 18. With Isiah Pacheco marked as out and Kareem Hunt listed as doubtful for this week's contest, Perine should handle the majority of touches out of the backfield. The 29-year-old receiving back will face the Broncos, who rank 15th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Despite shouldering the load, Perine's ceiling will be lower with Carson Wentz under center this week. Perine is ranked RB44 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week. There is a possibility that Perine is fantasy-relevant through sheer volume on the ground and through the air, but scoring opportunities could be at a premium in this contest. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere.

Jan 4, 2025 10:59 AM EST


Samaje Perine Totals Three Touches In Week 12

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine took his lone carry for 13 yards and caught both of his targets for an additional 12 yards in the team's 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also racked up 104 yards on three kick returns with a long gain of 56. Despite logging 32% of Kansas City's snaps, Perine was held to only three touches out of the backfield, even though he was effective on his sole rush attempt. Backfield mate Kareem Hunt dominated backfield touches yet again, out-touching the 29-year-old 19-to-3, while Carson Steele registered three opportunities (one rush). With running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) due back in short order, the journeyman RB will likely garner even less fantasy value than he does now. The Chiefs will line up against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders next Friday in Week 13.

Nov 25, 2024 2:47 PM EST


Samaje Perine Remains Risky For Week 11

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine will remain the primary backup with Isiah Pacheco (ankle) ruled out for the Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Perine hasn't done much in the rushing game, but has hauled in two receptions or more in each of the last three games. Kareem Hunt has seen a majority of the workload in the backfield and that will likely remain the case once again this weekend. Perine doesn't carry enough value to be considered a reliable streaming option for Week 11.

Nov 16, 2024 7:05 PM EST


Samaje Perine Scores In Week 9 Win

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine had one carry for 10 yards in the 30-24 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Perine's success came through the air as he connected with Patrick Mahomes on a seven-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The veteran running back finished the game with four catches for 25 yards and one touchdown. Perine was minimally involved on the ground but saw five targets in this contest. He is the clear passing downs back for Kansas City, but that role has yet to be particularly valuable this season. Perine should stay out of lineups for next week's matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are tougher against the pass than the run, but Perine's role in the offense is not significant enough to start him confidently.

Nov 5, 2024 4:47 AM EST


Samaje Perine Scores In Win

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine had five carries for 14 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The veteran running back scored on a two-yard in the fourth quarter to give the Chiefs the lead. Perine had the second-most carries out of the backfield for Kansas City and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Despite his receiving prowess, Perine did not have a single target in this contest. Perine ceded receiving work to Kareem Hunt, who had three targets against the Chargers. With the addition of Kareem Hunt and the eventual return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there will not be enough touches to go around in the Kansas City backfield. Perine will try to hold onto his secondary role against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. If Steele redeems himself in the eyes of the coaches, Perine may be the odd back out. Despite the uncertainty at the position, the Saints are a good matchup for running backs. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses this season, so Perine should have decent running lanes. The Chiefs backfield is too crowded to know who to start, but there should be more clarity following next week's contest. Perine is a good stash candidate but is best left on benches until we know where he sits in the hierarchy.

Sep 30, 2024 4:37 AM EST


Samaje Perine Figures To See Heavier Workload

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine is likely to see an increased workload during the Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs are expected to go with a running back by committee approach with Isiah Pacheco (leg) sidelined. The assumption is that rookie Carson Steele is going to be the primary back, but Perine should mixed in as well. The veteran back will probably take over the receiving duties in the backfield, which could be good news for fantasy managers in PPR formats. However, it's unknown exactly how the Chiefs plan to split up the workload on Sunday. That being said, Perine shouldn't be trusted as anything more than a low-end flex option in PPR formats.

Sep 22, 2024 10:08 AM EST


Samaje Perine To Fill The Jerick McKinnon Role

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine is expected to fill the void left behind by Jerick McKinnon's departure, head coach Andy Reid said. Specifically, this means that Perine will primarily get involved as a pass-catcher and blocker. Reid also noted that Perine is an intelligent player who runs well. Last year, the veteran running back tallied 238 rushing yards, 455 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Given that he is a trusted pass-catcher in one of the NFL's best offenses, Perine could sneak into the RB3/FLEX tier in PPR leagues this year. However, he can be left on the bench in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Sep 5, 2024 12:14 AM EST


Chiefs Expect Samaje Perine To Suit Up In Week 1

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that he expects running back Samaje Perine, who was just signed this week after being released by the division-rival Denver Broncos, to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship. Although Perine will eventually have an opportunity to carve out a nice role on third downs for KC, the Chiefs won't overload him in the season opener, and he's currently listed as the RB4 on the depth chart behind starter Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and rookie Carson Steele. Perine's signing with the defending Super Bowl champions immediately gave him more upside in deep PPR leagues, but he's still only worth a bench stash, at best. Perine's addition to KC's backfield should also slightly worry Pacheco's fantasy managers.

Sep 1, 2024 1:43 PM EST


Samaje Perine Receiving Praise For Potential Third-Down Role

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine received praise from his new head coach on Friday afternoon about his potential as a third-down back. According to Adam Teicher of ESPN, Reid expressed, "He's been a phenomenal third down back. The opportunity to have a guy in here that can do the run game and the pass game . . . That is a great addition." The 28-year-old running back signed with Kansas City earlier this week after being released by the Denver Broncos. Last season in Denver, Perine saw a career-high 50 receptions and 455 receiving yards, with an added 238 on the ground. With these recent comments, fantasy managers should expect Perine to serve in a similar role with the Chiefs, primarily entering the game in passing situations. However, Isiah Pacheco will still likely see the vast majority of backfield touches this upcoming season.

Aug 30, 2024 2:27 PM EST