IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys addressed their vacant roster spot Tuesday morning by signing David Irving off the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.
Irving plays both defensive end and defensive tackle, which makes him a logical signing. After releasing Davon Coleman on Monday evening, Dallas was down to just seven defensive linemen on their 53-man roster – only six of which are healthy.
That can be attributed to several factors – namely, injuries and disciplinary action. The Cowboys have been without Greg Hardy since the start of the regular season while he is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
On top of that, they've been without Randy Gregory since the season opener, when he suffered a high ankle sprain. They also had to move veteran defensive tackle Terrell McClain to injured reserve last week, after he suffered a severe toe sprain in the win at Philadelphia.
The Cowboys were also missing Jeremy Mincey in Sunday's loss to Atlanta, as he suffered a concussion the week before. Mincey said after the game that he expects to be back for Week 4 against New Orleans, but the depth situation along the defensive line is still perilously thin.
Irving gives the defense an extra body at both defensive line positions while the Cowboys wait for reinforcements.
In addition, the Cowboys made a move on their own practice squad, releasing offensive lineman Ronald Patrick in exchange for defensive end Lavar Edwards.
Edwards actually made the Cowboys' initial 53-man roster at the end of the preseason, but he was released to make room for Christine Michael the following day. He had brief stints with Oakland and Chicago but was released by both before the Cowboys re-signed him on Tuesday.
