Cowboys make key decision on Randy Gregory

The Dallas Cowboys had bad news for defensive end Randy Gregory on Thursday. The former second-round pick out of Nebraska is going on the injured reserve list.

According to Mike McCarthy, Gregory injured his calf during practice yesterday. Moreover, the injury is a multi-week injury — Gregory may have to go on the injured reserve.

Additionally, Gregory’s injury likely means that star rookie Micah Parsons will once again see more time at linebacker. Earlier this season, Parsons turned heads with his prolific play while filling in for Gregory.

In a contract year for Gregory, he’s been showing out. So far in 2021, he’s been a force — accumulating five sacks in five games. In addition to his sacks, he’s forced two fumbles on the season as well.

It’s likely that Gregory has done enough to prove he’s worthy of a long-term commitment this off-season — whether it’s Dallas or another team who courts him. However, it’s disheartening to see the former Nebraska star miss more time with another injury.

Without Gregory, McCarthy and the Cowboys will look to get back on track this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. After looking like one of the league’s top teams, the Denver Broncos dominated Dallas — giving them an unfortunate reality check.

The Falcons have been hot, with Matt Ryan playing some fantastic football over recent weeks. Still, the Cowboys will look to recapture the magic that made them one of the NFC’s top teams prior to last week.

Cowboys make a new signing

The Dallas Cowboys have announced a critical roster move ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. After working out kickers Brett Maher and Lirim Hajrullahu, the Cowboys have elected to sign Hajrullahu. According to Todd Brock of USA today sports, it will mark the third time in less than 90 days that the specialist has been signed by the Cowboys.

The signing of Hajrullahu is a result of starting kicker Greg Zuerlein being placed on the Reserve/COVID list on Tuesday. Hajrullahu filled in for Zuerlein earlier in the preseason as he was recovering from back surgery. In the preseason he was perfect, going 12 for 12.

The second time he was on the active roster was following the Cowboy’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zuerlein struggled in his first game back, leading Dallas to believe they might have brought him back too early. He suited up for the Cowboys’ next game against the Los Angeles Chargers but didn’t play.