If you weren’t looking forward to seeing Randy Gregory lining up across from his former teammates, you’ve been given a reprieve. The former Cowboy remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and won’t be playing when Dallas visits the Denver Broncos in Saturday’s preseason opener.

Gregory is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He started Denver’s training camp on PUP and is not expected to participate in any preseason games, though the Broncos hope to have him ready for Week One.

By missing this week’s matchup, Randy’s chances of ever suiting up against the Cowboys have taken a big hit. Dallas and Denver just played each other in 2021 so, if the current scheduling rotation holds, their next meeting regular-season game may not come until the 2025 season.

Of course, the introduction of the 17th game does increase opportunities for interconference meetings. And there’s always the possibility of another preseason date between the two clubs.

Gregory left the Cowboys this offseason after seven tumultuous years. Just as it seemed the defensive end was finally getting his career on track, disputes over language in a proposed contract last March angered Randy and pushed the free agent into the Broncos’ arms.

Dallas has had a busy offseason trying to replace Gregory and boost their pass rush. They re-signed Dorance Armstrong, drafted Sam Williams in the 2nd round, and are taking a flier on former 1st-round pick Dante Fowler.

Thankfully, Micah Parsons is still here as the Cowboys’ top pass-rushing option. But getting more from their defensive ends is critical to keeping Parsons versatile and making the defense more dangerous overall.

Holding onto Randy Gregory certainly would’ve helped. He’s one of the more gifted pass rushers we’ve seen in Dallas over many years and showed his big-play potential several times in 2021. Thankfully, he won’t be making life difficult for the Cowboys offensive line this Saturday.