Unfortunately, running back Tarik Cohen‘s NFL career never took off.
He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 draft after four 1,000-yard seasons at North Carolina A&T.
Cohen also ran the 40-yard dash during his Scouting Combine at 4.42 seconds.
Despite those promising achievements, he never had more than 500 rushing yards in a season.
He played in all games during his first three seasons but managed career highs of 444 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
He last scored a rushing touchdown during the 2018 season, and everything went downhill for him since then.
In 2020, he only played three games due to a torn ACL and MCL.
Cohen is yet to take the field since that injury.
Still, he is trying to bounce back by doing some offseason training.
Sadly, even a seemingly harmless routine proved to be detrimental to his potential return.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “An MRI today confirmed that RB Tarik Cohen, who hasn’t played in the NFL since he tore his ACL in Week 3 of the 2020 season, ruptured his Achilles while live streaming a training session on Instagram Live, per source.”
A Terrible Blow
Just when Cohen was working his way back, the football gods betrayed him.
At 26 years old, his opportunities for an NFL return are dwindling because he is playing a position wherein athletes regress as they age.
If healthy, he could give any starting running back a breather or be a difference-maker on special teams.
However, this recent setback puts a dark cloud above his future in the league.
Cohen might join the long line of former players who never lived up to their potential.
But as he heals from his recent injury, he should make one last push to see the field again.
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