Suspended Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory conditionally reinstated by NFL
Suspended Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory has been granted conditional reinstatement by the NFL, according to a league source.
He will be allowed in the Cowboys’ facility starting Monday for the purpose of going through COVID-19 testing. Once clear, he will be able to participate in meetings and get re-acclimated with the team. He has not yet been cleared to practice or play.
According to the NFL’s official statement: “Gregory may report to the team on Monday, September 7, for testing and may participate in conditioning activities, individual workouts and meetings. He may begin practicing with the team the week of October 5. He will be eligible to participate in games following the team’s Week 6 game on October 19.”
But this is a huge step forward for Gregory, who has been suspended for 46 games since coming to the Cowboys as a second-round pick in 2015. He has not played since 2018.
“Today is a day of celebration and thanks,” Gregory wrote on social media Friday. “I would like to thank Roger Goodell, Todd Jones and Kevin Manara of the NFL, Jerry and Stephen Jones, Jason Cohen, Will McClay, Todd Williams, and Josh Brent of the Cowboys, Dr. Dina Hijazi, DeMaurice Smith, my agent Peter Schaffer and most importantly my family for sticking by me thru thick and thin and to help me get to the positive place I am at today. It’s go time. I am in a good place and plan to use this second chance to be a great father, player, citizen of Dallas, and teammate. Let’s get this!!! #RG94”
Team owner Jerry Jones expressed optimism about Gregory’s possible reinstatement earlier on Friday on his radio show on 105.3 The Fan.
“I know every detail about Randy and the league and us,” Jones said. “I’m not at liberty to talk about those details, but I work on it probably every other day. And, so, the answer is that it’s evolving and I am positive about it.”
The prospect of Gregory joining a defensive line that already includes DeMarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith and Everson Griffen has Cowboys fans salivating — even if it will be a few weeks before Gregory will be eligible to get back into a uniform and pads.
But, at least, he is back.
Gregory, 27, is coming off his fourth suspension for violation of the NFL’s substances of abuse policy, and he has failed or missed at least six tests with the Cowboys. He has played in 28 games in five seasons with the Cowboys. In 2018, he played 14 games and recorded six sacks.
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 4:27 PM.
