Now, according to ESPN, the NFL has denied the Cowboys exemption request for Gregory to practice. If they had to file an exemption to get him to practice you know a suspension is looming, yet the team (supposedly) has not been informed of an additional failed test. This thing is very confusing right now.
Cowboys DE Randy Gregory denied special 2-week exemption to practice
5:36 PM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas - The NFL has informed the Dallas Cowboys that defensive end Randy Gregory will not be allowed to practice Wednesday, erasing the optimism both had of the player's possible return to work before his suspension ended, according to sources.
Gregory's suspension runs through Dec. 18, the date of the Cowboys' Week 15 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Cowboys hoped Gregory would receive a two-week roster exemption to practice. He is currently eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 19.
Gregory was initially suspended the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy in the offseason. An additional 10-game penalty was announced on Sept. 29 for another violation. While there have been reports of Gregory committing another violation of the policy during the current suspension, sources say the Cowboys have not received any update from the NFL of a longer potential penalty.
When asked last week about Gregory's status, coach Jason Garrett said he had no information. At different times during the season owner and general manager Jerry Jones has remained supportive of Gregory, but has not commented further.
At the start of training camp the Cowboys placed Gregory on the reserve/did not report list when he checked himself into an out-of-state rehab facility. He has been around the team since the second week of the season, working out with the strength and conditioning coaches and taking part in meetings.
The Cowboys took a chance on Gregory last year when they picked him in the second round, knowing of his off-field issues while at Nebraska. He failed a drug test at the scouting combine that landed him in the substance-abuse program.
He had a productive training camp as a rookie and preseason but suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener that forced him to miss the next four games. He did not record a sack in 12 games and was credited with 11 tackles, one tackle for loss and 16 quarterback pressures.
With just 23 sacks as a team in the first 12 games this season, the Cowboys are in need of pass-rushing help. Considering how much time Gregory missed since last season it might be misguided to expect him to be a major contributor but the Cowboys will take any help they can get.