A&T alumnus Tarik Cohen awaits chance with Panthers

KENNY RICHMOND

Tarik Cohen, a North Carolina A&T alumnus, is working his way toward a return to the NFL as a member of the Carolina Panthers practice squad.

Carolina Panthers running back Tarik Cohen caught the attention of a special teams coach at the far end of the practice fields at Bank of America Stadium.

For several minutes, Cohen stood near the end zone, helmet in hand, listening to the extra attention. The Bunn, North Carolina native appeared to listen attentively.

The former Pro Bowl special teamer has not played in an NFL game since 2020 due to multiple injuries and setbacks. But the former North Carolina A&T standout didn’t quit, didn’t surrender to the pain or challenge. One personal goal sparked his ambition.

“I just want another touchdown,” Cohen said Thursday. “Get back to that feeling, you know? Scoring on Sundays.” 

 
‘I’m just here day after day, grinding away’

When will his next opportunity develop?

Cohen isn’t sure.

“Don’t know,” the 28-year-old said. “I’m not sure. I’m just here day after day, grinding away.”

Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown couldn’t commit to a time or place Cohen may earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

“It’s hard to say right now as far as a rotational role going forward,” Brown said.

Special teams coach Chris Tabor remains interested in peeling back the layers and seeing what the dynamic 5-foot-6, 191-pounder can contribute once he gets a chance.

“He’s been responding well to all the practices,” said Tabor, who believes Cohen Is fully healthy. “I don’t have a lot of concern there. He still has speed. You can tell he’s still a really good player. We’re taking the Pledge out and dusting the shelf a little bit.”

When the Panthers released their depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium, Cohen remained on the practice squad.
The three-deep running back rotation is Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear, who also handles kick return duties.

After starting the season 0-3 for the first time since 2010, the Panthers need a spark. Cohen is waiting for his chance.

A 2020 fourth-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears, Cohen appeared in 51 games (22 starts) and rushed for 1,101 yards on 264 carries and nine touchdowns.

Cohen’s specialty, though, was returning punts. In 2018, Cohen paced the NFL with 411 return yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl. He returned one punt for a TD during his rookie season.

In the third game of the 2020 season, however, Cohen’s career was sidetracked with ACL and MCL tears along with a tibial plateau fracture. Plus, he suffered an Achilles injury during a personal workout in 2022.
It’s been a long wait.   

Cohen signed with the Panthers on Sept. 12. He said he was playing video games at home when the Panthers called with a tryout offer.

First, Cohen had to prove he was fit.

“Health-wise, I’m ready,” he said.  

Brown is convinced.  

“I think watching his progress every day has been awesome,” said Brown, who watched Cohen work out last season and studied his “burst, change of direction and ball skills.”

Brown checked off each box, plus he adds a touch of personality, as well.

“He has great energy and burst about himself, crackin’ jokes here and there,” he said.

Tabor continues coaching up Cohen like he’s a poker player with an ace in the hole.

“He’s still doing well, still improving,” said Tabor, who worked on the Bears’ staff from 2018-21. “Hopefully, he’s getting better just like all players are. I’m excited about where’s he at right now.”

Cohen is eager for a promotion and compete in his first game since Sept. 27, 2020, a 30-26 Bears win against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Cohen, who inked a three-year, $17.3 million extension a week earlier, had two carries for 21 yards before the injuries started stacking up.

Panthers coach Frank Reich said on Sept. 13 he anticipated Cohen contributing at some point this season.

“I remember when he was with the Bears, just watching him and (I’m) just like, ‘Man, this guy is ... he is different,’” Reich said. “Not only physically is he different, but his quickness and as a runner. I coached Darren Sproles, a very similar type (of) player, and I felt like there’s a little bit of that in him.”

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