David Irving Reportedly Suspended 4 Games for Substance Abuse Violation

The Dallas Cowboys will be without the services of defensive lineman David Irving to start the 2018 season.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Irving has been suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

This marks the second consecutive year in which Irving would be suspended to open the season. He missed the first month of the 2017 season for the misuse of performance-enhancing substances.

He also missed the final four games of the season due to a concussion.

Irving has become a force up front for Dallas after going undrafted in 2015. In eight games last year, the 6'7", 290-pound defensive tackle recorded 22 combined tackles and seven sacks, both career-highs. The 24-year-old had four sacks and four forced fumbles during his second season back in 2016.

And while the Cowboys will miss Irving's presence in the middle of the line, they have plenty of experience playing without him. The 24-year-old has missed 13 games over his first three seasons. 

Irving signed a one-year, $2.9 million deal to remain with Dallas earlier this offseason. Now, he will have to prove himself even more as he plays for his next contract.