Jets sign running back and return specialist Tarik Cohen who last played in the NFL in 2020

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets on Wednesday signed former Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen, who last played in the NFL in 2020 because of injuries.The 28-year-old Cohen was an All-Pro as a kick return specialist in 2018 and Bernhard Seikovits Jersey was selected for the Pro Bowl. He broke his right leg and in 2020 and mi sed all of that season and the following season.During the 2022 offseason, Cohen tore an Achilles tendon similar to the injury suffered by Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in last year's season opener and mi sed that entire season.He was cleared to play last summer and signed with Carolina's practice squad but spent most of the season on injured reserve Isaiah Simmons Jersey with a hamstring injury. He was released by the Panthers on May 10.ADVERTISEMENT Cohen participated in his first practice with the Jets and made a nice play when he took a to s from Tyrod Taylor, hit the corner and zipped down the left sideline for a big gain.Tarik's an explosive playmaker, coach Robert Saleh said. He's starting to get back healthy.NFL owners agreed this offseason to a one-year trial of a , with a new system borrowed heavily from what was used in the XFL spring league, one that is expected to result in more returns this season.With the new kickoff rules, these kick returners, theyre going to touch the ball over 100 times a year, which is significant, Saleh said. "At least thats what were anticipating. A guy like him, hes still young James Wiggins Jersey and obviously coming off his injuries, but were excited to have him aboard.Saleh said second-year wide receiver Xavier Gipson will have first dibs on return duties, but Cohen's addition gives the Jets more options and depth.Cohen was a fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2017 out of North Carolina A&T and quickly established himself as one of the league's most dynamic and Jonathan Ledbetter Jersey versatile players a speedy and shifty pa s-catching threat out of the backfield on special teams in the return game before injuries derailed his career.In 51 games, he has 1,101 yards rushing and five touchdowns with 209 catches for 1,575 yards and nine scores. He has averaged 20.9 yards on kickoff returns and 10.3 yards on punt returns, including a touchdown against San Francisco where Saleh was the defensive coordinator in 2017.From a defensive standpoint, having to game plan against him when he was with the Bears, he was a nightmare, Saleh said. He's a playmaker.The Jets waived Eno Benjamin Jersey undrafted rookie running back Markese Stepp to make room on the roster for Cohen.CAMPING TOGETHERSaleh said the Jets will hold joint practice se sions during training camp with all three of their preseason opponents.New York will host Washington at its facility before the preseason opener, scheduled for Aug. 10 at MetLife Stadium, and will work with the Panthers in the lead-up to their game at Carolina the following week.The Jets and Giants will have a joint se sion before the preseason finale on Aug. 24. The teams practiced together two years ago at the Giants' facility but didn't have a joint se sion last summer.___AP NFL: