Cowboys DE Randy Gregory finally gets reinstated after being suspended 18 months
At this point the Dallas Cowboys probably shouldn’t rely too much on pass rusher Randy Gregory, but he is finally allowed back with the team.
Gregory, who was suspended indefinitely in January of 2017, was given a conditional reinstatement by the league. Gregory had been suspended for multiple violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Gregory will be with the team when it starts training camp next week, and he might turn out to be an unexpected bonus this season.
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“Gregory may join the Cowboys at training camp and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities,” the NFL said in a statement. “Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Gregory’s clinical resources in Dallas, and subject to continued compliance with the terms of his reinstatement and all aspects of the NFL-NFLPA Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse, he will be permitted to participate in all activities, including practices and games.”
Off-field issues have held Gregory back
Gregory had off-field issues at Nebraska, which is why he slipped to the second round of the draft. Talent has never been a question for him. He was projected as a possible top-10 pick. That’s why the Cowboys gambled on him. To this point, Dallas hasn’t won that gamble.
Gregory was drafted in 2015 but has played only 14 NFL games. In 2016 he played two games before he was suspended again. Even though he is unreliable after so many infractions, the pure talent has kept the Cowboys from cutting ties.
The Cowboys haven’t had contact with him through his suspension, so what they’re getting after only two games the past two seasons is a mystery.
Gregory ready for his latest chance
Gregory should be welcomed back. The Cowboys’ site said players like Tyrone Crawford and Jeff Heath wrote letters of support to the league after Gregory asked for reinstatement.
Dallas could use him, because every team needs pass rushers. If Gregory is in shape and hasn’t lost too much in his layoff, he could fill a role as a situational pass rusher. He could find some room to operate with offenses focused on DeMarcus Lawrence on the other side.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com said he talked to Gregory on Tuesday afternoon, and Gregory was excited for the news of his reinstatement.
“Not many people get second, third, fourth chances,” Gregory said, according to Brandt. “I plan to take advantage of mine.”
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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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