The Dallas Cowboys may not know exactly when free agent addition Greg Hardy will be able to suit up for them on game day, but they are excited with what they've seen from him so far.
Hardy was issued a 10 game suspension from the NFL following a domestic violence arrest last year. Hardy has appealed the suspension, and Dallas is hoping for a reduction of at least two games. While the NFL Players Association is confident, these matters have always been tricky and it's unknown whether or not Hardy will be able to take the field sooner.
"It's something that is not in our control," Vice President Stephen Jones said. "We will appreciate the process. We knew this was going to be part of it. Whenever that comes down, we will be ready to move forward."
In the meantime, Dallas has been impressed with the pass-rusher's progress this pre-season.
"He's done a really good job," head coach Jason Garrett said of Hardy's work ethic. "Once we decided to sign him, we've certainly tried to embrace him in every way and he's embraced the situation. He was here well before the off-season program got into full gear and guys were in the weight room and out on the field working and he embraced being a part of that once the off-season program started."
Hardy missed all but one game last season after being placed on the NFL's exempt list following his domestic violence incident. The Cowboys could definitely use his ability to get into opposing backfields. Dallas finished 2014 ranked just 28th in sacks (28) and managed just 43 total tackles for a loss. Hardy collected 26 sacks between the 2012-13 seasons.
With running back DeMarco Murray's departure in free agency, Dallas' defense will need to step up this year. The Cowboys can't be expected to finish sixth in time of possession (32:17) again.
We'll keep you updated as more details about Hardy's appeal emerge.
