New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is excited to welcome running back Tarik Cohen to the team. Cohen signed with the Jets on Tuesday, after being released by the Carolina Panthers earlier this month. His contract is for one year, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cohen has not played since 2020 when he was with the Chicago Bears. He suffered a severe injury during Week 3 of that season, tearing his ACL, MCL and fracturing his leg. Despite recovering from this setback, Cohen experienced another setback in September 2021 when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during an offseason workout. However, he decided to attempt a comeback and joined the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad in September 2021. Unfortunately, the Panthers released him earlier this month.
The Jets were quick to sign him and have plans to utilize his skills effectively on the field. Cohen’s experience as a kick and punt returner adds another dimension to his value, showcasing his speed and agility while returning kicks during his time with the Bears. Saleh highlighted Cohen’s explosiveness as a playmaker and believes that with changes to the kickoff rules benefiting returners, Cohen’s skill set is valuable for the team.
Cohen’s impressive statistics from his time with the Bears demonstrate his versatility and impact both as a rusher and receiver. With Saleh recognizing these strengths and valuing Cohen’s potential contributions on the field, he sees him as a valuable addition to their roster if he can return to full health.
