The Cowboys expectations a few short months ago were that suspended defensive lineman Randy Gregory and Aldon Smith would both be reinstated, and that both could play significant snaps for the Dallas defense.
These expectations have apparently changed a bit.
According to a report by Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “The team has also all but given up hope of defensive end Randy Gregory being reinstated from indefinite suspension.”
Hill doesn’t elaborate on the reasons behind this doubt, but does note the Cowboys roster to begin training camp is now “pretty much set.” Aldon Smith was reinstated by the league in late May.
There have yet to be any public announcements on his counterpart, Gregory, leading to pessimism that the former Nebraska standout will be joining Dallas for the upcoming season.
The NFL changed its stance on marijuana this offseason, the main culprit of the multiple Gregory suspensions. Gregory was seemingly trending in the right direction, such as Smith is, so the new attitude towards his request for reinstatement is somewhat surprising.
Without Gregory, Dallas might have to rely more than they expected on players like the aforementioned Smith, Tyron Crawford, Dorance Armstrong, and the remaining young prospects on the roster. The team continues to look for a permanent solution opposite Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence.
Until the formal decision from the league this is still speculation, and there is a chance that the Cowboys hear news on the issue soon.
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