Randy Gregory paid a visit to The Star Monday as he takes the next step in a rehabilitation process he hopes will allow him to return to the field this season, sources said.
The Cowboys placed Gregory the reserve/did not report list in late July when he didn't accompany his teammates to California for training camp. The club had to remove him from that list Monday so the defensive end would be cleared to drop by the facility.
Gregory is currently serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Sources said he has filed an appeal to contest an impending ruling that could extend that suspension to a total of 10 games.
Gregory and his representatives are still awaiting a hearing on that matter.
The plan, as reported by the Dallas Morning News last week, had been for Gregory to rejoin the Cowboys at their new practice facility after the regular season opener against the New York Giants. His treatment will continue. While he will now be around his teammates for the first time in nearly three months, he can't practice with the team until Oct. 3.
That date will be pushed back even further if Gregory's appeal is unsuccessful.
Sources said Gregory had been in an out-of-state treatment facility. He's expected to meet with head coach Jason Garrett and other club officials in the coming days.