Cowboys' David Irving Suspended 4 Games for Violating PED Policy

The Dallas Cowboys will have to start next season without David Irving as the defensive end will face a four-game suspension to begin 2017. 

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 23-year-old violated the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Irving totaled four sacks in 15 games last season for the Cowboys.

The issue was first reported in May by Kevin Patra of NFL.com, but David Helman of the team's official site provided a statement from the NFL:

Irving is heading into his third year with the team after being signed as an undrafted free agent. The 6'7", 273-pound player has developed into a force on the edge who is especially dangerous at rushing the passer.

Unfortunately, the latest news will keep him off the field for a month and slow his development.

Losing pass-rushers to suspension has been a theme for the Cowboys in recent years. DeMarcus Lawrence was out the first four games of 2016 while Randy Gregory is suspended the entire 2017 season.

First-round pick Taco Charlton should get extra opportunities on the defensively line while Irving is unavailable.