'Frustrated' Dalvin Cook Addresses Reduced Role in Jets' Backfield

Lacking reps, veteran running back is a rumored trade candidate

It's not exactly the role that the four-time Pro Bowl running back envisioned. 

"It's obviously been a different situation for me to be in, coming from where I come from and just being productive in this league," said Dalvin Cook on Thursday in Florham Park. "Not getting as many touches and stuff like that."

After signing with the New York Jets in August, Cook has failed to establish himself as a complementary piece to second-year ball carrier Breece Hall. Although he hasn't received an abundance of opportunities, Cook's production has dropped to a career-low level. 

Coming off a fourth straight 1,100-yard rushing campaign with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook has averaged only 2.8 yards per carry in six games as a Jet. Over 39 rush attempts, his longest run is a 10-yard gain. 

"Your average will be down if you leave the game with three carries," said Cook.

Playing a season-high 50 percent of offensive snaps in the opener against Buffalo, Cook's reps have progressively declined. Last time out, he saw only nine snaps in the win over Philadelphia.

"The more touches I get, the better I get as the game goes," said Cook.

The 28-year-old running back has seen only 95 offensive snaps through six games and is averaging 8.0 touches per outing.

"I prepared myself. I worked my tail off. I just want the situation to be best for both sides," said Cook. "Of course, it's frustrating. I'm honest person, man. I work, I want to play."

Cook totaled only 20 touches as the Jets put back-to-back victories together heading into the bye week. He gained 35 yards on nine carries and added a two-yard reception over the two-game sample. 

"This is a different scenario for me like I said, it's all different for me," said Cook, whose name has popped up in trade rumors ahead of next week's deadline. 

Even with a minimized role, and trade speculation swirling, Cook claims his approach has not changed.

"You adjust and you still sharpen your iron. And that's what I do every day, I still sharpen my iron. it's still the same for me. Just game day is a little different," said the former second-round draft pick. 

Although Cook clearly wants more responsibility within the Jets' offense, he claims he isn't itching to jump ship. 

"I'm not going to [general manager] JD's [Joe Douglas] office and telling him I want to be somewhere else or anything like that. I'm just sharpening my iron, ready to go, and I'm gonna let the business side handle that," said Cook.

Only on a one-year contract, Cook likely has some trade value, especially for a team like the Baltimore Ravens, who have been decimated by injury at running back. There's a decent chance, however, that he remains with the Jets as insurance for Hall, who is the team's clear-cut RB1. 

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