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DALLAS COWBOYS
Randy Gregory

Jerry Jones: No question Cowboys DE Randy Gregory needs help

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) against the San Diego Chargers in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium.

With Randy Gregory entering a treatment facility, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday his primary concern is the defensive end's well-being.

Already suspended four games for violating the league's policy on substance abuse, Gregory faces a lengthier ban for an additional infraction, a person familiar with the latest developments told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no punishment had been finalized.

The Cowboys report to training camp in Oxnard, Calif., on Friday. Gregory is not expected to attend.

"He is having care right as we speak. We're well aware of that," Jones said Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. "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."

Jones added he had not heard anything from the NFL regarding a possible additional suspension.

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"From the standpoint of our team and from the standpoint of his well being we are first and foremost interested in how he can address his addiction and get to where he can function in society first and look to be a football player second," Jones said.

Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the 2015 NFL scouting combine. Despite his billing as one of the draft's most talented pass rushers, the Nebraska product fell to the second round and 60th overall pick before Dallas took a chance on him.

After recording just 11 tackles and being held without a sack in 12 games as a rookie, Gregory was expected to take on a larger role on Dallas' defensive line this season.

The Cowboys' front seven already has been stretched thin by suspensions, as defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will miss four games and linebacker Rolando McClain is sidelined for 10.

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Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz

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