It was a long wait, but Randy Gregory is finally going to be able to play football again.
The NFL finally reinstated the Dallas Cowboy.
“Today is a day of celebration and thanks,” Gregory wrote on social media before thanking everyone who helped him get reinstatement. “It’s 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”
According to NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Jane Slater, Gregory may report to the team next week, but cannot practice until October 5th. Gregory is suspended until after Week 6 of the 2020 season.
That means Gregory will miss games against the Rams, Falcons, Seahawks, Browns, Giants, and Cardinals.
This will be Gregory’s true test if he is ready to turn his life around. Suspensions have limited Gregory to 28 games overall since going 60th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. His first three seasons saw Gregory miss four games, 14 games, and then the entire 2017 season.
Gregory missed just two games in 2018, which was a breakout season. He finished second on the team with 6.0 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits. However, he was suspended indefinitely after the 2018 season and missed the entire 2019 season.
Getting 10 weeks out of Gregory is almost like adding a free agent at this point.
Signing veteran defensive end Everson Griffen and bringing in Dontari Poe were nice additions to the Cowboys defense as well. Aldon Smith hasn’t played since 2015 but appears to be an uplifting story.
With all these new faces, the Cowboys are hopeful the team can rebound from finishing 22nd last year.