Michael Irvin -- Terrell Owens Can't Help The Cowboys ... 'Cause He's Ancient

Michael Irvin says T.O.'s initials have a brand new meaning ... Too Old ... 'cause he thinks the former NFL great is a little too long in the tooth to help the injury ravaged Dallas Cowboys.

Of course, 41-year-old Terrell has been ADAMANT he can still hang in the league ... and recently had his agent hit up the Cowboys to start a dialogue about filling in for Dez Bryant who's out with an injury.

So, we asked The Playmaker about the situation at LAX ... and spoiler alert, Terrell is NOT gonna like his answer.

BTW, check out this clip of Owens putting his skills on display recently -- dude still looks pretty spry to us.