There have been several updates this week regarding current and former Dallas Cowboys defensive linemen, all of which are relevant to their playing status for 2018. Here's a quick summary of the current happenings.
Randy Gregory Reinstatement
First up is Randy Gregory's quest to be reinstated to the NFL this year. The former second-round pick, who's basically missed two seasons with drug suspensions, is reportedly on the right path and will be giving the commissioner plenty of material to consider.
Along with passed drug tests and testimony from various parties, Gregory's own Cowboys teammates have thrown their voices into the appeal.
Cowboys DE Tyrone Crawford has spoken to the league the last couple of weeks asking for suspended DR Randy Gregory to be reinstated. He said it's best for Gregory to be around the team.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 9, 2018
Add Sean Lee and Jeff Heath to the list of Cowboys who have written letters to the league on Randy Gregory's behalf per source informed https://t.co/2hfbGMqLRA
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) May 9, 2018
Not only would Randy's return be a great personal triumph for the 25-year-old, but he could fill a real void on the Cowboys defense line as a weak-side rusher. Gregory's athleticism and potential to take on NFL left tackles is why he was a high second-rounder despite the baggage, and why Dallas continues to hope for his return.
David Irving Investigation
Last month, reports that David Irving was being investigated by police for domestic violence came out. Quickly, this appeared to be caused by false accusations from an angry ex-girlfriend.
Thankfully, it appears that the police have drawn the same conclusion.
Frisco (TX) Police, who were investigating a since-recanted allegation of domestic violence against #Cowboys DE David Irving, closed his case yesterday, I'm told. The file was made inactive. This arose when a former girlfriend hacked his twitter account in late April.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2018
After what the Cowboys went through last year with Ezekiel Elliott, any accusations of domestic violence were concerning. As we saw then, Roger Goodell doesn't have any burden of proof before he can decide to suspend a player. What's more, his process is clearly biased towards public relations over actual facts.
Of course, all we had in Zeke's case was an accuser without any police action. But that accuser stuck to her story, why Irving's has already recanted.
Hopefully, that's enough to keep the Clown Commish out of David's life.
Terrell McClain Reunion
While it went from a Tuesday dinner to a Wednesday breakfast, the veteran defensive tackle is meeting with the Cowboys this week. McClain, who was with Dallas from 2014-2016, was recently cut by Washington and is a free agent.
#Cowboys exec Will McClay having breakfast right now inside The Star w FA Terrell McClain, per @BryanBroaddus and @1053thefan pic.twitter.com/Hlwv1glkE4
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) May 10, 2018
With defensive tackle a high priority going into the 2018 draft, Dallas did not come away with any new talent for the position. Bringing back McClain, who was a standout for the team during their 2016 playoff run, could be a big move toward solidifying the entire defensive line next year.
That they're even taking the time to meet says a lot. The team knows the player well, and vice versa. They wouldn't waste their time without some serious interest.
We'll see if Jerry Jones and Will McClay even let McClain leave town before signing him to a new contract.
