Looming suspensions dogging Dallas defense

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas cornerback Nolan Carroll faces a two-game suspension over his arrest on a drunken driving charge this week, and defensive end David Irving awaits final word from the NFL on a possible fourgame ban for violating the policy against performance-enhancing drugs.

Add the likely season-long absence of pass rusher Randy Gregory for multiple substance-abuse violations, and the Cowboys could be opening their second straight season with three potential defensive starters suspended.

Tight end Jason Witten, the leading voice in the locker room as he prepares for his 15th season, isn’t trying to deny a disturbing trend. The 10-time Pro Bowler just says there’s a delicate balance for teammates.

“I would never minimize the mistakes that were made,” Witten said Wednesday after offseason practice. “But mistakes happen. And our job is to create an atmosphere where there is a togetherness. One thing about having been in a locker room, you can never point that finger.”

Carroll, an eighth-year veteran who signed with Dallas in March following three seasons with NFC East rival Philadelphia, participated in practice but didn’t appear in the locker room when it was open to reporters two days after his arrest in Dallas.

Irving was a locker room noshow for reporters for the second straight week since news of a failed drug test, which the thirdyear player is appealing. Irving showed promise last year for a pass rush lacking punch in recent seasons.