Former WVU Star Bruce Irvin to make Season Debut against Houston

According to a report from Brendan Marks of the Charlotte Observer, former WVU star Bruce Irvin returned to practice with the Carolina Panthers for the first time in weeks.  Irvin has been out with an injured hamstring, however, Irvin told reporters that he is definitely playing this week.

Most West Virginia football fans remember the excitement that Irvin brought to the field when he wore the old gold and blue.  Irvin was a threat to any QB that dared to drop back and pass on a third down in Morgantown.  In fact, Irvin has made quite the career in the NFL with his pass rushing skills.

Carolina has 7.5 sacks in just three games thanks to guys like Mario Addison, Brian Burns and Christain Miller.  With Irvin back in the rotation, Texans QB Deshaun Watson and his O-Line will have their hands full this Sunday.  Head coach Ron Rivera looks forward to having Irvin bring pressure off the edge.

The Panthers have been plagued with the injury bug this year, which should open up room for Irvin to shine.  Irvin is coming into this game with some momentum.  At the end of last year, Irvin went on a tear with the Falcons where he had 3.5 sacks in his last 4 games.

While we can’t expect Irvin to be the same type of player he was at the end of last season.  He should make his presence felt early and cause problems for that struggling Texans offensive line, who are one of the worst fronts in the league.  With a very potent pass rush that Carolina will bring, we can assume that Irvin can get a sack or at least get pressure on Watson.

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