Dalvin Cook’s ill-timed fumble brought quick end to increased Jets role

Dalvin Cook started as a spark, an elusive one for both the veteran running back and the entire Jets’ offense, but that was extinguished before the first half even ended.

The 28-year-old, who told The Post’s Brian Costello this past week that his minimal role in the offense has been “frustrating,” strung together plays of 11 and 14 yards on their second drive Sunday.

But two possessions later, he fumbled, and while coach Robert Saleh said the miscue didn’t impact playing time, Cook produced just five carries for 6 yards — and one target — across the final 43-plus minutes of the Jets’ 13-8 loss.

Cook also missed a block on the Jets’ second-to-last drive that allowed Richie Grant to force a Trevor Siemian fumble, ending a drive that’d reached the Falcons’ territory.

“The fumble was unfortunate,” Saleh said. “I felt like he’s been running the ball really well. He looked really good in practice, obviously. He’s looking good, and getting those guys more carries, between him and Breece, you gotta convert third downs to be able to give yourself some extra opportunities in the run game.”

The Jets went 2-for-15 on third down, but Cook helped them avoid those situations on the second drive, when he got the ball on four of the first five snaps and helped Gang Green advance from its 9-yard line to the 43.

Then, Saleh subbed in Hall (13 carries, 16 yards), who gained zero yards on two rushes, and the Jets eventually punted.

“After a couple of carries you give the other guy an opportunity,” Saleh said. “I think Breece had a couple in row that were pretty good, bring in Dalvin. Same thing, couple in a row. Just gotta go by feel.”

When the Jets landed Cook late in the offseason, he was viewed as the final piece for an offense that would flourish under Aaron Rodgers.

But Cook, who topped 1,100 yards in each of the past four seasons, received just 50 carries through the first 11 games.

He compiled just 162 yards.

Cook flashed what he could add Sunday, but that changed when he was dragged toward the ground early in the second frame.

Nate Landman stretched his arm out and popped the ball loose — something Cook called “very disappointing.”

It marked the latest miscue by an offense that has finished with seven or fewer points in four of the past five games.

That only worsened in the fourth quarter, when Cook couldn’t block Grant and it led to Siemian’s fumble.

“I’ve been on some teams where like we wasn’t as good, but like we knew how to go out there and score points,” Cook said. “We knew the formula. I think that’s what it comes down to. Just finding the formula of how to get it done. I think we’re still searching for it.

“We gotta get in the end zone. That’s just point blank, simple.”