Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Randy Gregory is eligible for reinstatement by the NFL after he was suspended due to PED policy violation. But, even if this happens, at this moment Dallas franchise is not counting on his services.
During the recent interview, America’s Team vice-president Stephen Jones stated: “We assume worst-case on any situations, whether it’s the money or availability, especially if players are facing suspensions. Obviously, last year when we knew (Ezekiel Elliott) faced a possible suspension we kept extra running backs, assuming worst case. So we have to move forward, assuming that Randy is not going to be here. If he is here, obviously it’s a big deal. First and foremost for him if he could get himself in a situation where he feels like he could actually play football.”
Out of possible 32 appearances for Cowboys during the last two seasons, Gregory only had two. He missed entire 2017 NFL season thanks to the multiple violations of leagues substance abuse policy.
But, if you look at his activity on social media, he’s ready for return. On his Instagram Randy shared a picture that had following text written on it: “It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish. Patience is key.”
Big D franchise is not allowed to contact with Gregory who was their 60th pick in 2015 NFL Draft. He was projected to be picked higher, but his stocks dropped after his off-field issues became public. In his rookie season, Gregory appeared in 12 games. In 2016 he played in the last two games. In his 14 matches for Dallas Cowboys, he recorded one sack.
An interesting fact is that Cowboys didn’t play a part in his reinstatement. The application for an NFL return comes from Randy Gregory and his agent. Stephen Jones said that it would be hard for Dallas franchise to apply for reinstatement because they weren’t close to him during his recovery process.
To conclude his interviews Jones said: “At the same time we obviously invested in Randy and wish nothing and hope for nothing but the best for Randy. I know he’s on a journey and I know he’s trying to get his off the field situations worked out, and he’s certainly got a lot of skill as a football player. But first and foremost he has to get himself personally and his physical well-being off the field in a good place.”
What do you think, will Gregory play for Cowboys in 2018?
