Panthers release RB, returner Cohen

The Carolina Panthers have released running back Tarik Cohen.The former N.C. A&T running back was signed last fall, joining the team’s practice squad. Cohen hasn’t played in an NFL regular season game since 2020 when he tore his ACL.

Cohen was a star at Bunn High School, then found his way to A&T, where he went from an unheralded recruit to become the top rusher in school and MEAC history, second all-time among HBCU football stars. He helped shine a light on talent in a pre-Deion Sanders world with his combination of social media exploits and onthe-field dominance.

Cohen was picked in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and quickly became one of the most versatile backs in the league. He made the Pro Bowl as a return man during the 2018 season and signed an extension with Chicago just before he suffered the ACL injury.

Cohen was rehabbing his ACL in 2022 when he experienced another setback that put off his comeback attempt for over a year. He signed with the Carolina Panthers last fall, returning to his home state.

“That’s really the main reason why I wanted to stay here so close – in the state of North Carolina – was because of my family. I feel like, without my family, don’t think I would have made it through these last two years. I feel like – even before, I did it for my family – they helped me get through my rough moments. So I feel like, coming afterwards, that’s also who I’m doing it for still.”