With every game remaining being a “must win” for the Dallas Cowboys' playoff chances, they can ill-afford to go without one of their key players. Unfortunately, it's now expected that defensive lineman David Irving will miss Sunday's game with the New York Giants with a concussion.
The concussion was reportedly sustained during last Thursday's game against Washington, but Irving has yet to be cleared to play live action. Irving won't even travel to New Jersey with the team this weekend, according to Mike Fisher.
ALERT: Im told standout DL David Irving (concussion) will NOT play v #Giants or travel w #Cowboys to NY. #DALvsNYG pic.twitter.com/dI9Q63c8ZS
The Cowboys interior defensive line has had its fair share of struggles this year, with the coaching staff insisting David Irving play 3-technique and moving Maliek Collins out of position. Without Irving, I would expect Collins to move back to his natural spot on the defensive line with Richard Ash and Lewis Neal filling in for Irving.
Still, it's fair to expect some struggles from those three if they are the main interior defensive linemen in the rotation on Sunday.
As you probably know, David Irving is having himself a nice season, accounting for 7 sacks despite missing the first four games of the year due to suspension.
David Irving will certainly be missed on Sunday, but considering how weak of an opponent that Giants' offensive line is, I still expect DeMarcus Lawrence and company to create pressure all afternoon long. And with the immobile Eli Manning back at quarterback, he may get hit a few more times that they'd like in New York.
