Cowboys say Randy Gregory meeting with NFL medical director is normal part of process

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory did not make the trip to Houston with the team on Wednesday for Thursday’s preseason finale against the Texans.

Gregory visited with the NFL medical director in Chicago as part of ongoing treatment under the league’s substance abuse policy, per sources.

He was expected to travel to Houston and be on the sidelines with the rest of his teammates by game time but logistics prevented him making it.

Gregory will rejoin the team when it returns to Dallas.

Per sources, all is fine with Gregory and the trip to Chicago was a normal part of the process

Coach Jason Garrett used those exact words on the pre-game show on CBS 11 Thursday night, saying the visit was “part of the process.”

Gregory is in Stage Three of the NFL’s substance abuse program and subject to regular re-evaluation “At the Medical Director’s discretion,” per the policy handbook.

Per a source, this meeting was not directed by the NFL or triggered because of a failed protocol.

Gregory is back playing with the Cowboys for the first time since the season finale in December of 2016 when he was suspended by the NFL for repeated violations of the substance abuse policy.

It is unknown if the visit the doctor will impact his current reinstatement.

Gregory and the Cowboys have expressed confidence multiple times over the last few days that they knew of nothing that would prevent him from playing in the Sept. 9 season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

He was not scheduled to play against the Texans like many of the other veterans in an attempt to keep them out of harm’s way and healthy for the start of the regular season.

Gregory exceeded the Cowboys’ on-field expectations since his return so much so that he is a favorite to be in the starting lineup in the season opener.

This story was originally published August 30, 2018 at 4:20 PM.