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Cowboys DE Randy Gregory preparing to apply for reinstatement

By The Sports Xchange
San Francisco 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert (2) scrambles away from Dallas Cowboys defender Randy Gregory (94). File photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
San Francisco 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert (2) scrambles away from Dallas Cowboys defender Randy Gregory (94). File photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory is close to applying for reinstatement to the league.

Gregory, who hasn't played since the 2016 regular-season finale, is taking the steps necessary to file paperwork with the league next week, the Dallas Morning News reported, citing a source.

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"He's being very diligent in preparing his information and preparing his application," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday at the team's annual golf tournament for sponsors, per the newspaper. "I have been proud of Randy during this offseason. I've been very aware of how hard he's working to get back in the league and get back on the field."

Gregory, who missed the entire 2017 season after being suspended for at least one year for violating the NFL's policy for substance abuse, has received support from his teammates.

Linebacker Sean Lee, defensive end Tyrone Crawford and safety Jeff Heath all wrote statements to the league on Gregory's behalf, the newspaper reported.

"It's best he's back in the locker room, he's back around us," Crawford said. "I think it will be good for him and good for us."

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Gregory must follow a series of steps in the reinstatement process, providing thorough information on his treatment and any incidents that occurred during the period of his suspension.

Following the receipt of Gregory's application by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the league's medical director and medical advisor will interview Gregory within 45 days and subsequently file a recommendation to Goodell.

A second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, Gregory has played in just two games since his rookie season. He has recorded just one sack in 14 career games with the Cowboys.

Gregory was suspended without pay for at least a year in January 2017. It was his third suspension in one year. He then tested positive for marijuana in April 2017, marking the seventh time he tested positive for a banned substance.

Gregory was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season and had an additional 10-game ban imposed on him in September. He returned to play in the final two weeks of the regular season before earning his suspension of at least a year.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Gregory also failed a drug test for marijuana at the 2015 NFL Combine.

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