David Irving will have a chance to play in his first game since October 2018 on Sunday. The Raiders are activating the defensive lineman from their practice squad.
Irving will join first-round pick Damon Arnette in being on the team’s 55-man game-day roster. Las Vegas moved Arnette back to its active roster from IR. The Ohio State-developed cornerback has run into multiple instances of thumb trouble as a rookie.
The Raiders added Irving to their practice squad last month, doing so shortly after the NFL reinstated the oft-suspended inside pass rusher. The Cowboys let Irving walk in free agency in 2018, doing so after he played in only two games for the team in 2018.
Irving has been suspended four times, with his most recent substance-abuse ban sidelining him for over a year. He has shown flashes as a productive rusher, most notably in 2017 when he recorded seven sacks in eight games. The Raiders rank 31st this season with just nine sacks.
Arnette initially broke his thumb during training camp but landed on it awkwardly against the Patriots in September. He has played in just three games as a pro. The Raiders surprised many by taking Arnette at No. 19 overall. They are yet again having issues against the pass — an evergreen issue for the team — and enter Week 10 ranked 30th in defensive DVOA. A 32nd-ranked rush defense also contributes to that ranking.
The Raiders also promoted offensive lineman Jaryd Jones-Smith from their practice squad.
Sounds exciting!
Irving was a beast before his time off. Could’ve been the most dominant force in the NFL.
I wouldn’t go that far. He needed to play the run better. It is a great addition to the Raiders defensive front. Outside of Crosby, pass rush has been lackluster.
Im intrigued to see how Arnette performs. I liked him coming out of the college ranks from what I read and saw.
Time to cut Arden key
Should’ve kept Alden Smith. I think Mark Davis took a hard pass on domestic violence issues
I’m glad Alden has turned his life around but he was a mess- especially with the domestic violence stuff. He deserves a third chance and I’m glad he’s proving worth it. Hopefully he keeps it up