The Dallas Cowboys defense may be a bit depleted when the 2017 season starts, as defensive end David Irving is facing a four-game suspension. This is a defense that is trying to rebuild, after a number of its roster left during free agency, and after spending picks on that side of the ball during the NFL Draft.
Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas reports that Irving is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Fisher adds that Irving is expected to appeal a suspension that Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports was triggered by the use of a supplement made by a company that signed him to a marketing deal. (Pro Football Talk)
Irving is heading into his third year in the league, all with Dallas, and is coming off of career highs in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles. He started in two of the 15 games he did play. However, with his seniority, and productive season last year, he could have been looked at as someone who would be starting out of camp.
If he is found to have violated the league’s PED policy, then the Cowboys will more than likely look at their first-round pick, Taco Charlton, to fill in for Irving. Dallas will need all the help they can get, as the team ranked near the bottom of the league, last season, generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks only 23 percent of the time.
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