Dalvin Cook admits he is frustrated, but the veteran Jets running back does not want to complain about his microscopic role on this offense.
“Of course I’ve been frustrated. For me, it’s all about production,” Cook told The Post. “That’s what this league is based off of. I know that from being in this league for so long and playing at a high level. I just want to be productive, and I know I can. I know I fit in in this league and can be elite.”
Cook has 50 rushes for 162 yards and 12 catches for 66 yards this season.
It is hardly what anyone envisioned when the Jets signed him to a one-year, $7 million contract in August.
There were visions of Cook and Breece Hall becoming one of the best running back duos in the NFL. Instead, Cook spends most of his time watching from the sideline.
It made some sense early in the season when Hall was rolling, but Hall’s production has slipped over the past six games, and the offense is looking for answers.
Why not try Cook, a 28-year old who rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of the past four seasons.
“I used to come in here and I would wonder, ‘Should I go in and ask them, should I get more carries?’ ” Cook said. “The person I am and the player I know I am, I just feel like my work speaks for itself. I shouldn’t have to go in there and ask for carries. I let my work speak for itself.”
The most puzzling game came last month against the Raiders.
Cook ripped off rushes of 7, 10 and 9 yards before getting stuffed on his fourth carry.
He did not get another carry in the game.
“I felt in the Vegas game I could have been the hot hand and could have gotten something going, could have been something different,” Cook said. “But I think as an offense we’re still trying to figure out who we [are], and I think that’s why.”
Cook has had fewer than 10 touches in the past eight games after getting 16 in Week 1 and 11 in Week 3.
He had two against the Bills two weeks ago and three against the Dolphins last week. The Jets rushed for just 29 yards against Miami, tied for the 11th-lowest total in franchise history.
Cook said going home to his 3-month-old son every day has helped him get through this difficult season.
“I’ve definitely been frustrated, but I’ve been battling through it,” Cook said. “I’ve got my kid. Every day I go home he puts a smile on my face.
“I think if I was in Year 5 or Year 4, I probably would have went a different way about it. Now that I’ve been in the league, I know it’s bigger than me.”
The Jets released veteran safety Adrian Amos in a surprise move Saturday.
Sources said the Jets wanted to go younger with their backup safeties, and they also needed the roster spot.
In addition to Amos, the team released guard Xavier Newman.
Guard Wes Schweitzer was activated off injured reserve and should start Sunday against the Falcons at right guard.
The Jets also activated special teams ace Justin Hardee off IR. OL Jake Hanson and DL Perrion Winfrey were elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
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