PHILADELPHIA -- Randy Gregory showed Sunday how valuable he can be when eligible.

But uncertainty remains in that department.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Sunday that Gregory will have an appeal hearing "in the next week to 10 days." The second-year defensive end is appealing his latest suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

If the suspension is upheld, Gregory will not be able to participate in the playoffs.

With many Cowboys starters sitting out Sunday's season finale against the Eagles, the former second-round pick played the majority of the day. He recorded his first career sack, another tackle for loss, a quarterback hit and was second on the team with seven tackles.

"It was a long time coming," Gregory said. "I felt a little bit of pressure to get it, and finally being able to get it felt real good. I think I hustled real well. That was probably what I was more proud of, how much I hustled moreso than the sack."

The athletic pass-rushing specialist said it hasn't been difficult to stay focused with a possible third suspension looming. He said there's nothing else he can do to help or hurt his cause.

"Everyone else that's dealing with the situation, I'll let it play out on its own," he said. "I'll handle the things I can control, which is going out there and making plays."

The sack of Philadelphia rookie quarterback Carson Wentz came with 9:29 remaining. Gregory was cut by left tackle Jason Peters. The right defensive end fell but recovered quick enough to blindside Wentz, dropping him for an 8-yard loss.

Gregory celebrated by putting his hands together and looking to the sky.

"Just said a big 'thank you,' pretty much," he said.

Gregory also beat Peters, a nine-time Pro Bowler, midway through the first quarter, dropping running back Darren Sproles for a 4-yard loss.

"He's just all around that ball," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "He has relentless motor, and plus he has some unique things about rushing the passer. It's called talent. He'll go until he can't go any more. He has everything. And he's highly intelligent.

"We just got to work and figure out a way to keep him on the field because he's a favorite among the players. His teammates, they think the world of him."

Gregory doesn't believe he's reached his potential. He said Sunday that "another notch" of speed is attainable.

But he needs to be available first. Gregory missed all of training camp after checking himself into a drug treatment facility. He then missed the first 14 games while serving consecutive suspensions. He made his season debut last week, finishing with two tackles and a quarterback hit.

"I think I'm progressing a little bit, and hopefully I can continue that throughout the playoffs," Gregory said. "I'm excited for the playoffs, I'm excited to be on this team during this run."

An upcoming appeal hearing will determine if that'll be in uniform or watching on TV.