Cowboys DE Randy Gregory Working Through Reinstatement Process

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The Dallas Cowboys got some great news on Wednesday when defensive end Aldon Smith was conditionally reinstated by the NFL. That took care of one of the Cowboys suspended pass rushers but there’s still another waiting for his chance to return, Randy Gregory.

Gregory missed the entire 2019 season while serving an indefinite suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy and the terms of his conditional reinstatement. The hope now is that Gregory can resume his career and join Smith to help replace the 11.5 sacks provided by Robert Quinn last season.

“We are working through the process,” Peter Schaffer, Gregory’s agent, told PFT. “We are very happy for Aldon and wish him all the luck in the world and successful resumption of his career. It’s refreshing to see the NFL following through on their stated goal to focus more on rehabbing players than punishing players.”

The last time Gregory was on the field in 2018, he showed flashes of the potential he entered the league with. He finished with 25 tackles (seven tackles for loss), six sacks (2nd on the team), 15 quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery.

Under the new CBA, players will no longer be suspended for a positive marijuana test. It doesn’t completely get Gregory out of the woods, though, as he will still need approval from commissioner Roger Goodell to return to the field.

Back in March, Gregory talked about his future with Patrik Walker of CBS Sports and was unwavering in his belief that he’ll be back in 2020.

“I will be back this year,” Gregory said. “Difference is, I’ll be back for good this time.”

The news of Aldon Smith getting another chance at redemption gives hope that Gregory will soon be granted the same opportunity. If and when he does get reinstated, it will be paramount for him to remain on the straight and narrow as he attempts to resurrect his career.