NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Star Randy Gregory Withdraws Appeal, Serving Full Suspension


Dallas Cowboys star Randy Gregory has decided that it is time to face the music. According to ESPN, the defensive end has withdrawn his suspension appeal with the NFL. Rather than prolonging things, Gregory has decided to serve the full 14 games. The Cowboys must now decide his fate with the team.

Randy Gregory has not been with the Dallas Cowboys since the off season. Right now, the NFL is heading into the third week of the regular season. During that time, Gregory has been spending his days at a rehabilitation facility. The former Nebraska Cornhuskers star is hoping to go sober.

There are only so many chances given out in the NFL. Every year, there are athletes coming out of college that want their chance to play professional football on the biggest stage. Randy Gregory was given a tremendous chance when the Dallas Cowboys used a draft pick on him despite issues with drugs.

Without the drug issues, many in the NFL had pegged Randy Gregory as a first round choice, perhaps even in the top ten. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound lineman is that much of an athlete and has that much potential. It also does not hurt that he is capable of rushing the quarterback, a highly sought skill.

Though not allowed to practice, the NFL is allowing Randy Gregory to be at the Dallas Cowboys training facility. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated a little less than a week ago that he wants the 23-year-old to be around the franchise. That leads many to believe that Gregory will be kept on the roster.

While the possibility cannot be completely ruled out due to unforeseen circumstances, the odds of Randy Gregory playing in the final two games for the Dallas Cowboys are extremely slim. Aside from not having any practice time, it would also look bad on head coach Jason Garrett to put Gregory on the field.

Demarcus Lawrence [Image by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images]

The Dallas Cowboys public relations department, which is essentially headed up by Jerry Jones, is already working overtime in trying to salvage the reputation of Randy Gregory. It is really difficult to do that when an NFL player has failed four drug tests, as reported by CBS Sports.

Suspensions have cost the Dallas Cowboys their two starting defensive ends for the start of the regular season. In addition to Randy Gregory being punished by the NFL, Demarcus Lawrence is also serving a four-game suspension himself. Lawrence should be able to get back on the field soon, though.

Benson Mayowa, a former Oakland Raiders star that the Dallas Cowboys signed in free agency this summer, is one of the replacement starters. The other one is Jack Crawford. Charles Tapper rotates with both Mayowa and Crawford throughout the game.

Benson Mayowa [Image by Tom Pennington/Getty Images]

Free agency could be an option for the Dallas Cowboys now that they know that Randy Gregory is going to be gone for the majority of the regular season. Unfortunately, though, the majority of top defensive ends are already on NFL rosters by now.

The NFL trade deadline does not happen until the eighth week of the regular season. That is another option for the Dallas Cowboys. Though they are hesitant to part with such a quality backup guard, management might be able to fetch a really good pass rusher for Ronald Leary in a blockbuster deal.

Dallas Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones has publicly stated that the team is more concerned about the personal well-being of Randy Gregory first and foremost. They need him to get his personal life in order before they start considering what he can bring to them on the football field.

[Featured Image by Harry How/Getty Images]

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