Cowboys lose DT Irving to ankle injury

Broncos’ Chubb is honored as top rookie defender in October

FRISCO, Texas — David Irving was on crutches, trying to steady himself, with his left foot in a boot.

Dak Prescott walked past as the defensive tackle turned to leave the Cowboys’ locker room.

“You OK?” the quarterback asked. “Yeah,” Irving said. “It hurts though. “A lot.”

Irving injured himself in Thursday’s practice and was carted off the field. X-rays were negative. The initial diagnosis is a high-ankle sprain, an injury that should keep him from playing Monday night against Tennessee and beyond.

Irving was on his way to see team physician Dr. Dan Cooper for a more thorough evaluation as he left the locker room.

“Can’t now,” Irving said when asked if he could stop to talk. “Going to get another opinion.

“I should know more tomorrow.”

The defensive tackle was suspended for the first four games of the season for a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, an infraction Irving has said was tied to his use of marijuana. He returned but didn’t play against Houston in Week 5 as he was embroiled in a custody dispute with his former girlfriend, Angela Sanchez, over their 5-year-old daughter.

Irving has played in the team’s last two games, recording one sack and two quarterback pressures. He has also knocked down a pass and has three tackles.

Bradley Chubb has made up for a slow September start in a big way.

Denver’s rookie edge rusher was honored as the NFL’s top rookie defender in October after collecting 16 tackles, 12 of them solo, 5½ sacks, five tackles for loss, 13 pressures, eight QB hits, a forced fumble and a pass breakup in five games last month.

He joined Von Miller (November 2011) and linebacker D.J. Williams (December 2004) as the only Broncos to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month award.

“I’m nowhere near where I want to be,” Chubb said Thursday. “I’m happy for the achievement, but … I want to be 8-0 right now with multiple rookie of the months. This is my first one, so I’m still hungry to get more and for this team to get more wins.”

The Broncos (3-5) host the Houston Texans (5-3) on Sunday.

Chubb said it took him a few games to get used to being chipped by tight ends and running backs.

“It’s different because in college it’s pretty much one-on-one the whole time,” Chubb said. “I feel like I’m more comfortable now.”