Detroit Lions

Cowboys activate DE Randy Gregory, expected to make debut vs. Lions

Published Dec. 26, 2016 2:07 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Dallas Cowboys will officially welcome back defensive end Randy Gregory on Monday night against the Detroit Lions. The team activated him from the Exempt/Commissioner Permission list, moving him to the 53-man roster.

https://twitter.com/HelmanDC/status/813453411299508224

Gregory, a 2015 second-round pick, has served his 14-game suspension, thus making him eligible to return this week. He’s still facing a potential year-long suspension for another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, but that’s currently being reviewed by the NFL.

As a result, he’s eligible to play until it’s made official, which may not be until after the season’s over with. This is a huge development for the pass-rusher-starved Cowboys, who are in dire need of a dynamic player along the defensive line.

It sounds like Gregory should play a lot on Monday night, too, as he’s expected to be in good football shape.

https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/813455060197904384

Furthermore, Jason Garrett told Ed Werder of ESPN that Gregory weighs 250 pounds – up from his playing weight of 230 pounds a year ago.