The New York Jets took a flier on a formerly electrifying running back in late May and it's turned out to be a worthwhile move thus far.
Having not played in an NFL game since 2020, former Chicago Bears scat back Tarik Cohen has kicked off his comeback bid with the Jets. The 2017 fourth-round draft pick, who earned 2018 All-Pro honors as the league's top punt returner, saw his free agent value increase this offseason due to the new NFL kickoff rules.
While competing for return specialist duties, Cohen has also received reps on offense. He displayed his cut back ability on a toss play in Thursday's practice and has since caught fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh's attention.
"He looks good, man. He's got his juice back," said Saleh.
The 29-year-old Cohen, who celebrated a birthday on July 26, saw his career interrupted by a devastating knee injury that included an ACL and MCL tear in 2020. While trying to return in 2022, the explosive undersized runner tore his Achilles in another disappointing setback. By the looks of his performance thus far this preseason, those injuries are completely in Cohen's past.
"I'm excited to see him again with pads on, especially when we start scrimmaging against Washington and we get some preseason games and Carolina and the Giants," said Saleh. "He's somebody I'm looking forward to watching."
After four consecutive padless sessions to start training camp, New York puts pads on for the first time this summer on Monday, July 29.
The Jets will host a joint practice with the Washington Commanders on August 8, two days ahead of their preseason opener at MetLife Stadium.
