OXNARD, Calif. – Every day seems to be a little more progress being made for Randy Gregory. On Sunday, he took another step in the right direction with his first extensive work in full pads, working into team periods, where he definitely stood out.
Gregory had a sack off the edge and had a few other players where was quickly into the backfield.
While the defensive end didn't stop and talk to the media, he had a few others who didn't mind sharing their thoughts, including owner Jerry Jones, who was rather blunt when asked if his defensive end would be ready to contribute in Week 1 against Carolina.
"Yes … yes … yes I do," said Jones, who added that Sunday was a great example of Gregory's athleticism that made him a top prospect in 2015. "I did notice some of his trademark skill out there on a couple of snaps he took out there today. You can see some of his sleekness that he has. He's got the ability to create some pressure."
Gregory has missed all but two games in the last two seasons, serving two separate suspensions from the NFL for repeated violations of the league's substance abuse policy.
While he was fully reinstated by the NFL right before the start of camp, Gregory has been on a different regiment by the team's strength and conditioning program to work him into practice.
He didn't play in Week 1 of the preseason and isn't likely to play this week vs. Cincinnati back at AT&T Stadium, although the Cowboys haven't ruled him out.
Still, Jones said the target is to play in Week 1 of the regular season. He also applauded Gregory's journey to get back to this point, on the verge of playing again.
"Everyone out here is rooting for him," Jones said. "We've certainly had players that have had challenges. We've had players that have overcome that and get to play in the National Football League. When you have one like (Gregory), it gives you a lot of promise."
