NFL notebook: Cowboys’ Irving expected to play Sunday

The Dallas Cowboys activated defensive end David Irving from the reserve/exempt list and he is expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

Irving returned to practice Wednesday after a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. The Cowboys had a one-game exemption since he was coming back from suspension.

Irving, 24, replaces defensive end Charles Tapper, who was placed on injured reserve Thursday after suffering a broken bone in his foot in Wednesday’s practice.

Irving was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after last year’s meeting against the Packers, recording a sack and forcing three fumbles in the Cowboys’ win at Lambeau Field.

The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Irving played in 15 games for the Cowboys last season, recording 17 tackles and four sacks.

–Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford participated in practice again but was listed as questionable due to his left knee injury for Monday night’s road game against the Chicago Bears.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was asked by reporters about his confidence in Bradford’s ability to play.

“We’ll see,” Zimmer said, adding in jest, “I have a crystal ball now because one of the psychics in the Twin Cities gave me one, but I didn’t bring it down here with me.”

Bradford missed the last three games with a knee injury but returned to practice on Thursday.

–The Pittsburgh Steelers added wide receiver Martavis Bryant to the injury report due to an illness for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The team on Saturday listed Bryant as questionable for the home game.

Bryant missed the entire 2016 season due to a suspension by the NFL for multiple drug violations under the substance-abuse policy.

–The Indianapolis Colts brought back former basketball player Mo Alie-Cox, signing the tight end to the team’s practice squad.

The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Alie-Cox rejoins Indianapolis after spending time with the team during the 2017 offseason program and training camp. He was waived-injured on Aug. 5 and, after clearing waivers, was placed on the Colts’ injured reserve list.