Jets receive bad news they tried to overcome with a risky move earlier this year

Tarik Cohen is retiring from the NFL, for good. Everyone wanted a different outcome, but it's not shocking news after all. On Wednesday, the running back informed the New York Jets that he won't be playing in 2024 after another comeback attempt hasn't worked out as planned.

He had been signed to a one-year contract back in May and participated in team activities since, but couldn't get over the training camp hump.

Cohen came into the league as a fourth-round pick in 2017. Over his first three seasons in the NFL, he was a productive gadget offensive player and useful special teamer for the Chicago Bears. In 2020, though, he was hit on a fair catch and tore his ACL, MLC, and broke his tibial plateau.

After missing the rest of the 2020 and the entire 2021 season, he was trying to return in 2022, but suffered another serious injury — this time around, a torn Achilles. He was cleared to play again last August.

He signed with the Carolina Panthers' practice squad in September and spent the season there — which included a new, but minor injury. Cohen signed a new deal with the Panthers in January, but was released in May.

Cohen's ability as a special teamer was exactly what the Jets were expecting to take advantage of.

"Tarik is an explosive playmaker," Jets head coach Robert Saleh said right after the team had signed him. "The new kickoff rules, kick returners are going to touch the ball over a hundred times a year, which is significant. At least, this is what we're anticipating."

Tarik Cohen retires at 29. Throughout his first three seasons and the three games he played in 2020, Cohen combined for 1,101 rushing yards, 1,575 receiving yards, 628 kick return yards, and 985 punt return yards. He had 15 all-purpose touchdowns.

Even without Tarik Cohen, the Jets still have a strong running back depth. The starter is Breece Hall , but the group also has rookie Braelon Allen, Israel Abanikanda , Xazavian Valladay, and Isaiah Davis.

Related: Aaron Rodgers reportedly questioned Jets HC Robert Saleh's wording after controversial press conference