The Sports Xchange

IRVING, Texas — Defensive end Greg Hardy is invincible. That’s how described himself in the wake of last Sunday’s dominating debut for the Dallas Cowboys against the New England Patriots. Hardy had two sacks, a forced fumble and five tackles .

Not too bad for a guy who hadn’t played since the 2014 season opener when he was with the Carolina Panthers.

Hardy was sidelined for the final 15 games last season after being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, and was suspended the first four games this season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy related to a May 2014 domestic violence incident.

Hardy played 41 of 59 defensive snaps against the Patriots, tying for the most among Cowboys defensive linemen.

How did Hardy feel physically after his debut?

“I’m invincible, so I always try to feel the same,” Hardy said. “Awesome and funny.

“Like coach says, things change, we don’t change. We’re not a product of our circumstance. I’m glad to be in a situation where I can ball out with my guys. I think it’s awesome.”

–Running back Rod Smith was claimed on waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. Smith was promoted from the Seahawks practice squad to the active roster last week, but was released on Tuesday.

The Cowboys now have four backs on the active roster, including Joe Randle, Darren McFadden and Christine Michael.

–Running back Darren McFadden has taken over the third-down back role from injured Lance Dunbar.

McFadden caught nine passes for 62 yards in a 30-6 loss to the Patriots Sunday.

“It’s just felt normal to me to be able to go out there and take check-downs from the quarterback,” McFadden said. “It’s something I’ve always done. I didn’t really put a grade on my game or anything, but I just I felt like I did what I was supposed to do out there and took care of the ball and just tried to make plays when I could.”

–Defensive end Randy Gregory practiced Wednesday for the first time since sustaining a high ankle sprain in the season opener. He has missed the last four games, but should be ready for the Oct. 25 matchup against the New York Giants after this week’s bye.