Source: Cowboys defensive end David Irving facing suspension

Dallas Cowboys defensive end David Irving is facing a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, according to a source.

It’s a huge setback for Irving’s development and the Cowboys’ pass rush.

Irving was the team’s best pass rusher at the end of last season, making plays from end and tackle. He hoped to build on that momentum in 2017.

Now he is gone for the season’s first four games, barring a reversal on appeal.

The Cowboys drafted Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton in the first round to bolster an already suspect pass rush but were still counting on the blossoming 23-year old Irving, who had three sacks in two games last December.

The failed test stems from a supplement he took in connection with a marketing deal, per the NFL Network.

It would be the fourth consecutive year the Cowboys have opened the season missing a key suspended defensive player dating back to Orlando Scandrick in 2014, Rolando McClain and Greg Hardy in 2015 and DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory and Rolando McClain in 2016.

This story was originally published May 23, 2017 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Source: Cowboys defensive end David Irving facing suspension."