Travis Frederick is indeed heading to the IR to make room for defensive lineman David Irving. David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reports (via Twitter) that the team is placing their center on the injured reserve. The team will activate Irving to take the open roster spot. We heard yesterday that this was the expected move, although a final decision hadn’t been made at that point.
Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome before the start of the season, and we heard about a month ago that the offensive lineman was still experiencing numbness in both of his arms. The team didn’t immediately place Frederick on the injured reserve with the hope that he’d return before Week 8. Now, the lineman will be eligible to return for the final three games of the regular season, although he’d have to be cleared by a doctor.
The 27-year-old had started 80 straight games for the Cowboys heading into the season. He had another productive season in 2017, as Pro Football Focus ranked him third among eligible centers. The four-time Pro Bowler inked a six-year, $56.4MM extension with the organization back in 2016. Joe Looney will continue to get reps at center for the time being.
Irving was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The defensive tackle ended up skipping training camp as he dealt with personal issues, and he participated in his first padded practice in almost a year on Wednesday. The former undrafted free agent out of Iowa State was excused from practice on Thursday, although owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he expects Irving to play this weekend.
The defensive tackle’s talent is undeniable, as he compiled seven sacks in eight games last season. However, considering how long he’s been out of the lineup, it’s unlikely he immediately replaces Antwaun Woods or Tyrone Crawford in the starting lineup.
Damn they just keep getting more and more bad news. With Terrance Williams going on IR, does that open the door for Dez to come back?