FRISCO, Texas – For the second straight year, David Irving will be suspended for the first four games of the season.
The NFL has announced another four-game ban for Irving, this time for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
Last year, Irving missed the first four games for misuse of performance-enhancing substances.
Unless it is reduced by an appeal, the suspension will take place on Sept. 1, when the rosters are trimmed to 53 players. He would able to return for the Oct. 7 game at Houston.
This is not the kind of start Irving was likely looking for, considering he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2018 season. As a restricted free agent this past spring, Irving signed a one-year, $2.91 million deal to remain with the Cowboys.
However, this offseason, Irving has been a sporadic participant in the strength & conditioning program and didn't practice in all OTA sessions. He was here at The Star for all three minicamp practices, which is mandatory by the team.
Like last year, Irving will be able to practice with his teammates at training camp and is eligible to play in all four preseason games.
On Thursday, Irving talked in great length and detail about some of the off-the-field issues he's dealing with, including a custody battle with his ex-girlfriend, who also made domestic violence claims against Irving back in April, but then retracted her statements.
This marks the fourth straight year the Cowboys have began a season with a defensive starter being suspended. Since 2015, the club has dealt with suspensions for DeMarcus Lawrence, Orlando Scandrick, Rolando McClain, Greg Hardy, Randy Gregory and Irving now for the second time.
