Gregory back for divisional clash

The Cowboys defense is getting some help.

Ahead of Sunday’s NFC East showdown against Washington, the Cowboys activated defensive end Randy Gregory (calf ) and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (elbow) from injured reserve.

While Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said their return was expected “barring a surprise,” the team made the moves official Saturday.

The Cowboys also waived defensive tackle Justin Hamilton and elevated safety Darian Thompson (COVID-19 replacement), tight end Ian Bunting and running back JaQuan Hardy from the practice squad.

The elevation of Hardy could signify the Cowboys are preparing to be without running back Tony Pollard, who is a game-time decision after tearing his plantar fascia last week against the Saints.

Pollard said how the foot feels in pregame warmups Sunday will determine whether he’s able to go.

“Tony’s working through it,’’ McCarthy said. “We’ll see how it goes.

“We’ll take it all the way up to the game.”

The team has worked Corey Clement, who has nine carries and one reception this season for the Cowboys, and Ito Smith, who was signed to the practice squad earlier this week, at Pollard’s spot in recent days.

Dallas designated Gregory to return from injured reserve Wednesday, as he participated in his first practice since sustaining a calf strain Nov. 10. Gallimore began his second practice week since an Aug. 13 elbow dislocation.

Dallas now has 52 men on the active roster and 55 on the gameday roster, making it necessary to have seven inactives Sunday, assuming the club dresses eight offensive linemen.

Rookie sensation Micah Parsons, who has been limited in practice with a hip injury, is expected to play. The linebacker tweaked something in his hip while working out in the weight room earlier in the week and the training staff wanted to ease back on his workload as a precaution.

“I don’t think it’s of a serious nature,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “Just being cautious.”

Roger Steinman / Associated Press Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) was activated from injured reserve Saturday after he missed the last three games with a strained calf. The pass rusher has five sacks so far this season.