Differing information on Randy Gregory leads to confusion
12:10 PM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas -- At one point Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys thought Randy Gregory would be able to practice on Wednesday. By the close of business Tuesday, the NFL informed the team the suspended defensive end would not be allowed to practice.
“We’ve had different information on that over the last couple of days, over the last couple of weeks,” coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday. “Again we’re just focused on our guys. He’s not going to practice today.”
Currently, Gregory is eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 19 as he finishes a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. He missed the first four games of the season for failing a number of tests in 2015.
The Cowboys had hopes he would be allowed a two-week practice exemption before the suspension ended, which would have him in better game-shape to potentially play Dec. 26 against the Detroit Lions.
Garrett would not get into whether the NFL needs to alter the open-ended nature of how it penalizes players. There have been reports Gregory is facing another suspension, which could lead to a one-year ban, after the current penalty ends. However, sources said the Cowboys have not received any word from the league.
Garrett said Gregory is doing well as he takes part in meetings and works out with the strength and conditioning coaches. He said Gregory has added some bulk to his frame. Gregory played in 12 games last year as a rookie but did not record a sack. He did have 16 quarterback pressures.