The Dallas Cowboys have Greg Hardy in for more games after his suspension was reduced on appeal and this comes as the team is working on a contract with Dez Bryant ahead of the deadline and heading into training camp, it's looking like Joseph Randle will start over Darren McFadden, while La'el Collins could push to start on the offensive line.
The Cowboys received some positive news about Hardy this past week, as ESPN reported that his suspension was reduced to four games from 10 after his appeal. Hardy was out for 15 games last season while on the exempt list and now he is set for a four game ban if he doesn't fight the decision. Adam Schefter reports that Hardy is "considering" an appeal of his reduced ban, as he feels that it is still too much based on how his court situation played out.
UPDATE: From Ian Rapoport @RapSheet: "Source: The #Cowboys and Dez Bryant are finalizing a long-term contract extension. It's happening." UPDATE II: Ian Rapoport @RapSheet "Dez Bryant and the #Cowboys will be signing a 5-year deal, I'm told. They are putting the finishing touches on it."
UPDATE III: "@RapSheet: Final Dez Bryant numbers: 5 years, $70M, $45M guaranteed. Simply, wow." Read report on Bryant's contract and details about guaranteed money from ESPN.com.
Hardy reportedly is considering his options and if things stay as they are now, Hardy will be able to come back in Week 5 and that game is against the New England Patriots. The Cowboys signed Hardy out of a major need, as they have not been good at rushing the passer over the past couple seasons. Hardy has had over 25 sacks in his last two full seasons with the Panthers and now he will get the chance to play for the Cowboys. The team picked Randy Gregory in the draft and he likely will get the chance to have some major playing time in the games that Hardy is out for.
Check here for more on the Dez Bryant contract situation, the suspension reduction and potential legal battle for Greg Hardy and for more on training camp battles, including Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle as well as rookies La'el Collins, Randy Gregory and Byron Jones.
The Cowboys have a question about who will be the starter at running back after DeMarco Murray left for the Philadelphia Eagles and it looks like a battle between Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden. The team has Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams on the depth chart, but it's more about Randle and McFadden as true options at running back for Jason Garrett. According to the Dallas Morning News, Randle is in the lead in the battle to start, as the site reports that it is "considered" his "job to lose" this summer in camp.
Last season Randle was solid in limited work, as he rushed for over 6.5 yards per carry on just 51 carries in 2014. Randle had a career best 343 yards and he also scored three touchdowns and added four catches for 23 yards out of the backfield. Randle had three fewer carries than the season before but ended up with about twice as many yards. McFadden has had injury concerns in the past and while he played in all 16 games last season, the Cowboys may be more comfortable with Randle as the number one.
La'el Collins comes in with a first round pedigree after being undrafted due to off the field issues and the Cowboys are excited about what he can bring to the O-line. The team thinks it has the best offensive line in football and Collins could be a main piece, as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Collins took first team reps at multiple positions in OTA workouts. Camp could be different, but Collins should be able to push to start.