In the weeks leading up to the start of the 2018 season, there has been the level of expectation that Dallas  Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory would be available to take the field for Week 1 action against the Carolina Panthers.

Team owner Jerry Jones has further cemented that status as he stated during an interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday morning that the plan is for Gregory to play on Sunday afternoon, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.

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Since being reinstated by the league, Gregory has stuck strictly to the plan that he hasn't experienced any setbacks or anything that would limit his availability physically. He had performed well in the preseason that has given the team hope that the could be a potential key factor in the pass rush in 2018.

Gregory has missed 30 out of the last 32 regular-season games due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy multiple times. The last time that he took the field in an NFL game was back during the 2016 regular season finale. Since then, he has had much difficulty struggle to stay on the field but he looks to be back on the path of getting his career on the right track to where he could be considered a long-term piece of the puzzle.

The 25-year-old could be stepping into a significant role from the get-go with defensive tackle David Irving out of the mix due to a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. His ability to impact the game as a pass rusher could be crucial in helping him garner a key spot on the defensive line. Gregory may have the chance to form a formidable duo off the edge alongside Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence that could help the Cowboys get back into the playoff picture after falling just short last season.