Fansided

Cowboys’ David Irving reportedly fails drug test

By John McCarty

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the Dallas Cowboys fans and their mascot Rowdy before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the Dallas Cowboys fans and their mascot Rowdy before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end David Irving is facing a four-game ban after reportedly testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

Dallas is already facing down the barrel of rebuilding their defense from the 2016 version that aided in the Cowboys winning the NFC East. After falling to the Green Bay Packers at home in the playoffs last year, much is to be expected of the Cowboys this season. Now, an emerging contributor, defensive end David Irving, could be forced to the sidelines for four games.

According to Zach Links of Pro Football Rumors.com, Irving currently is facing a four-game ban, which would indicate he has tested positive for an ‘anabolic agent.’ If Irving has had a positive test for a diuretic or masking agent, the precedence is a two-game ban as opposed to four.

It has not been confirmed what exactly Irving may have tested positive for. There is however an intriguing rumor to follow as the situation plays itself out. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicates Irving had a marketing agreement with the product he tested positive for.

After losing both starting corners Brandon Car and Morris Claiborne, along with safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox, the importance of Dallas getting good play from the front seven can’t be understated. Barring a few shockers in the secondary, the Cowboys must get pressure to bail it out early and often.

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After being signed off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad in 2015, Irving has been a solid, inconsistent pass rusher along the Dallas front. Finishing the 2016 season with four sacks and 17 tackles, Dallas was hoping to see Irving build on that performance. Now, Dallas may have to wait longer to see just Irving contribute.