Tarik Cohen Release Proves Ryan Poles Has A Vital GM Trait

Several Chicago Bears fans hoped that Tarik Cohen would finally return this coming season. The sparkplug running back had torn his ACL back in September of 2020, just a week after signing a lucrative new contract. Since then, he hasn’t stepped on the football field again. He missed all of 2021, too. It was a development that confused many. Typical ACL recovery should’ve had him back by the start of that season. This is likely why many media speculated Cohen had suffered some sort of setback.

The man himself admitted he was hesitant to return, feeling he didn’t want to do so until he felt 100%. It seems he still isn’t there yet, as Adam Schefter reported he failed to pass his physical with the new Bears regime. As a result, GM Ryan Poles wasn’t going to wait. He released the former All-Pro returner, marking the second big roster move in the past 24 hours, along with the trading of Khalil Mack. Another vestige of that 2018 team is gone.

Bears are releasing RB Tarik Cohen with an injury designation, per source. He is not able to pass a physical yet stemming from his knee injury during the 2020 season. Cohen’s goal is to be ready in time for this upcoming season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2022

Tarik Cohen signed a 3-year deal worth $12.03M guaranteed and with a $7M signing bonus in 2020.

Eight days later, he tore his ACL and hasn't played since.

The lesson: get your money, players. You never know what injury lies around the corner.

— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) March 11, 2022

How do I file for unemployment ? ????

— Tarik Cohen (@TarikCohen) March 11, 2022

It is sad things had to end this way.

Cohen was such an exciting part of the Bears offense during his first couple of seasons in Chicago. However, one thing is becoming apparent. Poles has little time for sympathy and nostalgia. He is a GM with a vision in mind for this football team. If any player on the roster doesn’t fit that vision, then they’re going to find themselves out of a job. One big thing he made clear last month is how seriously he takes player durability. If you can’t stay healthy, don’t expect to stick around.

Mack missed ten games last season due to foot surgery and played most of 2020 with a similar ailment. Cohen has the knee issue. Poles had zero reasons to believe either of those men would ever return to their peak forms again. Especially with Mack pushing into his 30s and running backs not always handling knee injuries well.

Tarik Cohen won’t be the last sacrifice either

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that linebacker Danny Trevathan will be cut at some point shortly as well. Another aging player with a lingering injury problem. It is a pattern at this point. Though it might be difficult for Bears fans to stomach because of these players’ accomplishments, the GM can’t afford such emotional considerations. His job is to focus on the big picture and the bottom line.

Tarik Cohen, Mack, and Trevathan were getting paid like stars. None of them have played at that level for three years now. Waiting around for them to rediscover those forms is the height of insanity suddenly. Poles knew this. It was time to turn the page on that area. The Bears’ window closed when it became clear Mitch Trubisky wasn’t the guy at quarterback. Former GM Ryan Pace failed to accept this, and that denial cost him his job.

Poles won’t make that same mistake.

Part of being a successful executive in the NFL is self-evaluation. That is to say, understanding when certain players on the roster have outlived their usefulness and deciding to move on. The best ones tend to do this a year before the actual regression happens. It can be cutthroat, but that is how winning organizations stay successful. The new GM appears to have that ruthless edge required for it.