Randy Gregory Violates NFL Substance Abuse Policy: Latest Details and Reaction

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Randy Gregory violated the NFL's substance abuse policy again and has checked into a treatment facility, according to the team on Tuesday.

Adam Schefter and Todd Archer of ESPN first reported Tuesday that Gregory is now facing a "longer suspension" after previously receiving a four-game ban in February. ESPN's Ed Werder noted that Gregory won't report to training camp as he receives treatment.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett declined to comment when asked about the Gregory situation Tuesday, per Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"He is having care right as we speak," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on Wednesday. "We're well aware of that. It's very disappointing, but again, it does point out the difficulty you have with addiction. There's no question that he needs the kind of help and care he's getting right now. So that is disappointing, but we'll see what the days bring with it."

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed the defensive end will spend time at a treatment center. A timeline for the stay hasn't been reported. Rapoport added that there's "real worry" concerning Gregory's status, but people who were close to him are hopeful treatment will help.

Gregory had checked into a rehabilitation facility earlier in July, and after leaving for a weekend he missed a test, which resulted in the violation, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday. 

The lineman is expected to face a minimum 10-game suspension following the violation, and the Cowboys aren't sure whether he'll play again, according to Rapoport. Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan confirmed on Tuesday that Gregory may not play at all this season. Werder reported Gregory's representatives are currently working on an appeal. However, Werder reported on Wednesday, "If [the] appeal fails, [NFL] has discretion to suspend [Gregory] for an additional 10 games for total of 14 or to add [six] to his [four] for 10 total."

Gregory was viewed as a potential top-10 talent coming out of Nebraska. His stock dropped considerably after failing a drug test at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, however, which caused him to fall to the Cowboys with the 60th overall selection.

At the time, he admitted to Kimberly Jones of NFL.com that he tested positive for marijuana and expressed problems kicking the habit: "I don't wake up every day saying, 'I'd really love to go smoke.' It's not a struggle for me every day (now), it really isn't. In the past, hell yeah, it's been a struggle. It really has been. Now, I'm focused on my dream."

It's unclear what substance triggered the latest violation.

Gregory failed to make much of an impact as a rookie. He missed four games while recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in his debut. He struggled to carve out a consistent role after returning, finishing the season with just 11 combined tackles in 12 games.

The Cowboys are also without Demarcus Lawrence, who received a four-game suspension for his own violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. It leaves Benson Mayowa, David Irving and Ryan Russell to fight for a lot of playing time up front during camp and the preseason.