The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

AS NFL training camps get set to open around the league, here is some last minute news, rumours and possible opportunities for redemption.

RANDY GREGORY GETS UMPTEENTH CHANCE WITH COWBOYS

I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best with this one. Gregory missed all of last season for repeatedly violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, since being drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 2015.

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Gregory’s “fully cleared” status means Gregory can fully participate in practices and games. This wasn’t the case under his ‘conditional reinstatement.’ Rapoport was also told the NFL liked the pass-rusher’s plan and clinical resources in Dallas.

Gregory’s attorney, Daniel Moskowitz, commented last week: “I’ve never been more proud of any individual in my life. I”m very excited for Randy and his daughter and the rest of his family.”

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett had this to say in regards to Gregory’s reinstatement: “I expect Randy to be in Oxnard by Wednesday’s reporting deadline. He’s worked hard physically to get himself right. He’s been away from football, so there will be some challenges in terms of his transition back, but it will be good to see him. He’s a good kid and he deserves this opportunity.”

Due to repeated violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, Gregory was suspended for 14 games during the 2016 season, as well as all of last season.

Gregory has been away from the Cowboys for the past 18 months as a result of the aforementioned, multiple suspensions.

If his head is finally screwed on right, and he can transition back into football shape, the Cowboys may have an ‘ace’ up their sleeve.

MALCOLM MITCHELL ON THE MOVE?

Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell is on the trading block, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. It’s also a rare opportunity for whatever team adds him.

Mitchell may have injury concerns after missing the 2017 season due to knee problems, but he flashed impressive talent as a rookie in 2016.

Mitchell comes with the Patriots endorsement as they drafted him in the fourth round in 2016. The Patriots are deep at WR, with players like Chris Hogan, Kenny Britt, Jordan Mathews and the suspended Julian Edelman, this made the talented prospect Mitchell, expendable.

Other NFL teams don’t have that luxury. Mitchell will be highly coveted in an increasingly wide receiver-needy NFL.

The Patriots aren’t afraid of trading with anybody. They will move Mitchell for the best offer they can find. Expect the Bears, Cowboys, Giants, Lions, Packers, Panthers and Titans, to all be in the hunt to secure Mitchell’s services.

“JOHNNY FOOTBALL” HAS A NEW HOME

Johnny Manziel has a new home after joining the CFL on a two-year deal with Hamilton, in an attempt to jump-start his once promising career.

However, he couldn’t overtake incumbent starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for the starting job.

As a result the Hamilton Tiger-Cats traded Manziel to the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday.

Reuniting Manziel with Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman, who helped recruit Manziel to Texas A&M in 2011.

The Alouettes organisation, especially general manager Kavis Reed, seems to be excited to have Manziel onboard.

And giving the following statement after acquiring Manziel.

“We have acquired an exceptional quarterback with undeniable talent.With his great mobility, his athletic abilities and his instinct we believe that he will have a positive impact on our offence.”

Manziel could have better opportunities to see action and shine with knowledge of Sherman’s offence.

Manziel entered the NFL in 2014 as a first-round pick (22nd overall) of the Cleveland Browns, but off-field issues derailed his career and he hasn’t been in the NFL since being cut by the Browns in 2016.

Until next week I will leave you with this from Yankees Legend and future MLB Hall of Famer Derek Jeter -

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you.”

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1. Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net