Defensive tackle David Irving's first three years with the Dallas Cowboy have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride.

His young career has taken another rocky turn, with the league handing him a four-game suspension to start the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

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This marks the second time that he has been suspended by the league, as he was banned for the first four games in 2017 as well for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. The 24-year-old only took the field for eight games last year (missing the last four games due to a concussion), but he was quite productive with 7.0 sacks. At the time of the injury, he was leading all defensive tackles in sacks.

The Cowboys placed a second-round tender on Irving earlier this offseason after he became a restricted free agent. His absence for the first month of the season will leave a sizable hole on the defensive line, as he had helped form a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, with both players experiencing breakout 2017 campaigns. Dallas will likely have to rely more heavily on Lawrence to help provide a steady presence up front.

There are still several details yet to emerge about the situation that could see Irving possibly appeal the suspension for the 2018 season. Given his checkered past, it will be difficult for him to win the appeal process given it's his second violation in the last two years. This latest situation could also hurt his chances of earning a lucrative contract next offseason when he hits the open market.