The situation on the Dallas Cowboys' defensive front seven continues to grow ever bleaker.
Defensive end Randy Gregory, already suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season, is enrolling into a treatment program as he faces the prospect of an additional suspension, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via a source informed of the player's plans.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, team owner Jerry Jones said the team expects Gregory to be suspended although the Cowboys haven't heard anything about an additional suspension from the league.
The real worry, per Rapoport, is that Gregory has shut out people in his inner circle. It's now hoped that treatment will help him resolve the problem and allow him to get his football career back on track.
The latest ban is also for violation of the NFL's Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse, which will likely bring the suspension to at least 10 games. There is concern amongst the Cowboys' braintrust, Rapoport added, that Gregory might not play again.
"I don't want to comment on that," said Cowboys coach Jason Garrett in response to news of Gregory facing suspension, according to the Cowboys' official website. "I'm not commenting on Randy Gregory."
A consensus top-10 talent leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, Gregory plummeted to Dallas in the second round due to a failed drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Nebraska star also was late to pre-draft interviews amid concerns about his ability to handle the "mental rigors" of professional football.
Needless to say, the Cowboys were well aware of the risk in drafting Gregory.
Executive vice president and chief operating officer Stephen Jones made it clear months ago that the second-year edge rusher was on thin ice.
"This is a disappointment," Jones said in February. "We have been clear with Randy about what his responsibilities are and what is expected of him. This is something that he is going to have to work through and correct."
Along with Gregory's lengthy absence, the Cowboys also have middle linebacker Rolando McClain serving a 10-game suspension and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence sitting out the first four games.
The front office is under increasing pressure to import pass rushing help over the next six weeks.
