Randy Gregory suspended without pay for one year for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy

Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Randy Gregory failed two drug tests in the offseason that resulted in four-game and 10-game suspensions. He made his season debut in Week 16, but now will be missing an extended period of time.

Gregory failed another test, and he has been suspended without pay for at least one year, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He will not be playing in the postseason.

The Cowboys’ pass rusher won’t be able to apply for reinstatement until November 6 of next year, according to Rapoport.

Gregory was one of the most talented pass rushers in the 2015 NFL draft, but fell to the bottom of the second round after testing positive for marijuana at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. The red flag was coupled with a history of issues during his collegiate career at Nebraska, but the Cowboys took a chance on Gregory.

Thus far, the risk has not paid off. And if the reports of another failed test are true, Gregory could be headed for a career mirroring Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon instead.

Still, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has said in the past that the team stands behind Gregory despite the frustration Dallas must surely feel about yet another drug-related infraction.

Gregory was eligible to return from his 10-game suspension on Dec. 19 and still has the right to appeal any additional punishment.

In two seasons at Nebraska, Gregory tallied 17.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss. But in 12 games as a rookie during the 2015 season, Gregory had just 11 tackles and zero sacks for the Cowboys.