Josh Brent has been conditionally reinstated by the league and is eligible to play again for the Cowboys after 10 weeks.
The NFL ruled the Cowboys’ defensive tackle, who had retired with the team, will be suspended without pay until at least Week 11. The Cowboys don’t have a game that week, which means the earliest he could return to play is Nov. 23 against the Giants.
Brent hasn’t played since 2012 following a drunk driving accident that resulted in the death of his friend and teammate, Jerry Brown. It’s been 21 months since Brent last stepped onto the football field.
Owner/general manager Jerry Jones said at training camp Brent would be welcomed back by the team and would have a roster spot waiting for him if he got cleared to play. That was before any talk of a 10-game suspension, however.
Brent can’t visit the facility or participate in team activities the first six weeks of the season, according to a league release. He can return to team meetings and do individual workouts and conditioning in Week 7. He can practice by Week 9 if he complies with the conditions of reinstatement.
Any further law infractions or prohibited alcohol-related conduct will likely result in an immediate suspension and possible NFL banishment for Brent. He also must comply with court orders regarding probation, testing and monitoring.
Brent can appeal the decision within the next five days.
