FRISCO - Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving has missed "multiple'' mandatory drug tests in the last two months, sources tell me, putting in jeopardy not only any chance he has of participating with this team during the NFL Playoffs but also his chance of playing in the league anytime soon.

Irving's off-field life continues to be plagued by legal turmoil largely related to conflict with his ex-girlfriend, with whom he shares a young daughter. And his on-field efforts have been marred in part by a high ankle sprain he sustained in practice on Nov. 2. But since incurring that injury, Irving has rarely shown up for work here inside The Star -- not only missing participation in practices, but also declining to attend practice as an observer, declining to attend meetings or watch film, and declining to accept rehab help with the ankle and encouragement to stay active in the weight room.

"He's just sort of checked out,'' one person close to the situation tells me.

Irving is in the NFL's substance abuse program; sources tell me that during Cowboys training camp last summer he skipped at least one mandatory test ("failure to comply,'' the NFL calls it) and once the 2018 season began, he was hit with a four-game suspension. That marked the second consecutive season Irving was on the suspended list to start the year.

Earlier this year, Irving indicated that he was finding peace in all of this, saying, "I’ve been through a lot, (but) I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel.''

The reality here: An "FTC'' ("failure to comply'') counts the same as a failed test for all NFL players, including Irving, who has at times been vocal about his objection to the drug policy as it relates to marijuana use.

As talented as he is -- Irving has played in only 10 games over the last two seasons but registered eight sacks during that stretch -- there are now also issues of condition that likely block a return anytime soon. Additionally, failing to properly rehab the ankle is an obstacle.

But most of all there is this: If the Cowboys attempt to activate him, that might activate the NFL into taking action against him. Presently, it's seems like a "see-no-evil'' situation; the league may not wish to call attention to this unfortunate story ... but Irving trying to play may force their hand in a negative way.

The Cowboys have continued to keep him on the 53-man roster (in part because of holding out hope for him playing, in part because they care about his well-being), and keep saying polite things about the situation. From coach Jason Garrett: "I just think the biggest thing you try and do with a player like that is a day-by-day process and hopefully he's getting better and better. He's one of those players who we think could make an impact on our defense, if he were healthy. We're just going through the rehab process and hopefully he improves week-by-week."

In truth, though, the kind of help David Irving needs might not have anything to do with football. Various people in the organization have continued to try to reach out to him. That includes owner Jerry Jones, coordinator Rod Marinelli and defensive leaders Tyrone Crawford and Sean Lee. But Irving, 24, who signed a one-year, $2.91 million tender as a restricted free agent last offseason, with so many hurdles to overcome, is unlikely to be allowed to jump over two months' full of drug-test failures.