FRISCO, Texas – As defensive end Randy Gregory readies to return to the Cowboys this week for training camp in Oxnard, California, he has full support from his head coach.
"He's worked very hard to get himself back into this position," Jason Garrett said Monday at the Cowboys' annual Coaches Clinic presented by Baylor Scott & White. "He's been away from football, so there will be some challenges in terms of his transition back. But it'll be good to see him. He's a good kid and he deserves this opportunity."
Gregory, the Cowboys' second-round pick in 2015, was conditionally reinstated by the NFL last week after spending roughly 18 months on the suspended list for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy.
The league approved Gregory's application for reinstatement, which reportedly included letters of endorsement from several teammates.
The Cowboys are scheduled to arrive in Oxnard on Tuesday. Garrett said he anticipates Gregory meeting the team there in time for Wednesday physicals, along with any other players who are permitted to travel from a different location. The team charter from Dallas is not mandatory.
Under the terms of his reinstatement, Gregory can join the Cowboys at training camp and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities. According to the league, he will be permitted to take part in all activities, including practices and games, "once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Gregory's clinical resources in Dallas, and subject to continued compliance with the terms of his reinstatement and all aspects of the NFL-NFLPA Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse."
Since getting suspended in January 2017, Gregory could not have contact with the Cowboys organization.
"We'll just have to see where he is," Garrett said. "He hasn't been with our team at all. He hasn't been competing against NFL players, so there might be a little bit of a transition for him so we have to be mindful of that. But we're excited to have him back and I know he's excited to get going.
"He's got a lot of ability. We know that. But deep down he's a good person. This will be a good chance for him to get back on the right track."
