The Rich Get Richer: Randy Gregory Returning to the 1st Place Cowboys
Cowboys pass rusher has missed all season due to suspensions
Jerry Jones watched his first-place Cowboys sneak out a win at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but received even better news once the game was over.
According to reports, the Cowboys owner learned from league officials that second-year pass rusher Randy Gregory would be eligible to play in next weeks game.
Gregory had previously been suspended following multiple positive drug tests administered by the NFL. His first failed test came at the NFL Scouting Combine after he left Nebraska, followed by a second in February of 2016. Gregory failed a third test in July, and was placed on the Cowboys reserve list as he attended rehab.
Jerry Jones says he's been notified that Randy Gregory is eligible to return to practice and can play next week.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) December 19, 2016
In November, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated Gregory had failed another test, and his status for 2016 and beyond was uncertain. Gregory still faces a year-long suspension due to the multiple positive tests, but his original motley of suspensions have run up, making him eligible to practice starting on Wednesday.
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Dallas sits towards the bottom of the NFL in sacks with 21, and having Gregory for the final stretch of the season could help increase that number.
Further punishment from the NFL could still arrive for Gregory stemming from the reported test failure from November, but as of now Gregory is expected to at-least practice with the Cowboys.
Gregory was expected to be a top010 draft pick coming out of Nebraska in 2015 prior to his failed drug test at the combine. Dallas drafted him with the 60th overall pick, but has only seen him on the field for 12 games.
With a 12-2 record, the Cowboys are tied with the New England Patriots for the best record in the NFL after week 15. Dallas will face the Lions on Monday Night Football, which will also be the day after Christmas. Gregory being able to play in that game would be an extra present under the tree for Jones.