Kosport Magazine
The Fall of Tarik Cohen
Kosport Magazine
The Fall of Tarik Cohen
After what seemed like a promising comeback attempt, the Carolina Panthers have made the tough decision to release former All-Pro running back Tarik Cohen. This comes as a disappointment for Cohen, who signed with the Panthers in hopes of reviving his NFL career. It’s been a rough road for the 28-year-old, who has faced multiple setbacks and injuries over the past few years.
Cohen first joined the Panthers’ practice squad in 2020 and spent the entire season there. Despite this, he signed a new contract in January with the hope of competing for a spot on the 2024 roster. However, his last official NFL snap was in the 2020 season, and it seems as though that will remain the case.
The running back’s release is just the latest in a series of setbacks for him. In 2020, just weeks after signing a contract extension with the Chicago Bears, Cohen suffered a season-ending injury with a torn ACL, MCL, and leg fracture. He then spent all of 2021 recovering and was eventually released by the Bears in 2022. During a free agent workout, he suffered a torn Achilles, which forced him to miss the entire 2022 season.
Cohen, who was a fourth-round draft pick in 2017, quickly made an impact in the NFL with his dynamic pass-catching abilities and return skills. Standing at just 5-foot-6 and 191 pounds, he defied his smaller stature and received both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for his performances in 2018 and 2019.
In light of Cohen’s release, the Panthers have added Jonathon Brooks through the draft and Rashaad Penny in free agency to bolster their running back group, joining returning ball carriers Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Unfortunately, the fall of Tarik Cohen serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. After a promising start to his career, injuries have derailed his path and ultimately led to his release from the Panthers. While we may never see Cohen return to his All-Pro form, we hope he can find success and happiness in whatever comes next.
