Dallas Cowboys’ defensive tackle David Irving will sit out the first four games of the new NFL season for the second consecutive time. After being suspended for four games for violating NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy in 2017, he received the same suspension for 2018 season after violating league’s policy on substance abuse. Cowboys confirmed the news via their social media.
For the second straight year, David Irving is suspended for the first 4 games of the regular season.
➡️ https://t.co/5EPwvnMLrs pic.twitter.com/5txfOcAq97
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 15, 2018
Despite the suspension, David Irving will be able to participate in training camp and is eligible for all four preseason games.
The 24-year-old was present on team’s three-day mandatory minicamp which wrapped up on Thursday but didn’t practice. He also previously missed portions of Cowboys’ offseason program including organized team activities.
“If I could’ve come I would’ve, but I couldn’t for certain days so I didn’t,” – Irving explained his absence. “It has nothing to do with me being out of shape. The media or coaches even put it out there. But the real reason is really none of the public’s business right now.“
After below average college football career at Iowa State, David Irving entered the 2015 NFL Draft but ended up being undrafted. After a short stint with Kansas City Chiefs, he signed with Dallas Cowboys, serving as the team’s backup defensive tackle. Cowboys gave Irving much more room for playing in 2016 season, and he responded accordingly, finishing the season with 17 tackles, 4.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, five passes deflected and one fumble recovery. In 2017 season, he ended up playing in eight games total, missing first four due to a suspension and final four due to a concussion.
