The Dallas Cowboys have done an excellent job acquiring talent through free agency and the NFL Draft under new Head Coach Mike McCarthy. However, the elephant in the room all offseason has been when will the NFL reinstate suspended Defensive End, Randy Gregory.
He initially filed for reinstatement back in March but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic causing delays in the processing of his application it's been hard for Gregory. So much so, that he took to Twitter recently to voice his displeasure. All good things come to those who wait though, as the veteran got his wish and was conditionally reinstated by the NFL on Friday.
The NFL has conditionally reinstated DE Randy Gregory, sources tell me and @SlaterNFL.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 4, 2020
Gregory would take to twitter again, but obviously with a much more positive reaction this time:
“Today is the day of celebration and thanks,” he wrote. “I would like to thank Roger Goodell, Todd Jones and Kevin Monara of the NFL, Jerry and Stephen Jones, Jason Cohen, Will McClay, Todd Williams and Josh Brent of the Cowboys. As well as Dr. Dina Hijazi, DeMaurice Smith, my agent Peter Schaffer and most importantly my family for sticking by my side through thick and thin, and to helping me get to the positive place I am 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”
Gregory will have to go through an acclimation period before he can practice and be eligible to play. He can report to the team facility as early as Monday, September 7 to begin COVID-19 and he'll be able to participate in conditioning drills, individual workouts, and meetings. He'll be allowed to begin practicing with the team on October 5 and will be eligible to play when the Cowboys take on the Washington Football Team on October 25.
The last time we saw Gregory in 2018 he was quite productive. He appeared in 14 games and amassed 25 tackles (seven for loss), six sacks (second on the team), 15 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Gregory joins a Cowboys defensive line that is loaded with talent. DeMarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith, Everson Griffen, and Bradlee Anae will join him coming off the edge. The interior is stacked as well as Dontari Poe and Tysten Hill look to be the Week 1 starters at defensive tackle with Tyrone Crawford, Neville Gallimore, and Antwaun Woods filling out the rotation.
The 27-year old said “I'll be back for good this time” in an exclusive interview with CBS Sports back in March. Now, he has the chance to make good on that statement, and if he's anything near what he was two years ago, the Cowboys pass rush just got a lot more formidable.
