NEWSLETTER
The Bears offense may have been granted new life yesterday with the introduction of starting quarterback Nick Foles, but the team as a whole was also dealt a pretty big blow. Running back Tarik Cohen was removed from the game with a pretty ugly leg injury, and unfortunately, the team’s worst fears have been confirmed.
Cohen is headed to season-ending injured reserve:
#Bears coach Matt Nagy announces that tests revealed RB Tarik Cohen did tear the ACL in his right knee. He will be placed on season-ending IR.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 28, 2020
That is a huge loss for Chicago.
Cohen suffered a torn ACL on this play during the second half of the Bears’ come-from-behind win against the Falcons::
@ProFootballDoc I think @TarikCohen just tore his ACL. Look where he holds his leg going to the ground. pic.twitter.com/QgHvy0rmYV
— Tyler Riordan (@TylerTeeOff) September 27, 2020
Cohen was  immediately removed from the game, was quickly ruled out, and the worst was feared almost immediately. That the Bears’ biggest fears were realized stings on multiple levels.
Sure, Cohen has rushed only 14 times for 74 yards, tacked on just 6 receptions for an additional 41 yards, and scored no touchdowns through three games. But he was still an important part of the offense and a threat in the return game. Used in a rotation with David Montgomery and Cordarrelle Patterson, Cohen was a change-of-pace back who could keep the defense on their toes whenever he was in the game. He also made his way downfield as arguably the best receiving back they have. Without him, it’s possible the Bears’ running game (which has looked pretty darn good this year)/offense in general could get a lot more one-dimensional.
As for returns, we all know Cohen has been good, particularly when he gets a touch of open field. But now the Bears will be without him the remainder of the year. Anthony Miller could replace him – and he’s got upside in that role, as well – but Cohen was the guy for a reason. This all really stinks.
Indeed, the Bears wouldn’t have given Cohen this three-year extension a little over a week ago, if they didn’t think he was important:
Chicago is signing RB Tarik Cohen to a three-year extension worth $17.25 million in new money ($5.75M per year) with ability to be worth $18.25M at $6.093M per year, @RosenhausSports tells ESPN. Deal includes $9.533M fully guaranteed and a $12.033M max guarantee.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
I’m happy he got his money, but yeah … this is a bummer.
