IRVING, Texas -- Josh Brent spent his first full day around his teammates since Dec. 2012 with the NFL modifying his suspension so he can be work out and be around his Dallas Cowboys teammates two weeks earlier than planned.

Brent cannot practice with the Cowboys until Week 9 and cannot play until Nov. 23 against the New York Giants.

“I talked to him, just telling him we’re happy to have him back and life goes on,” cornerback Brandon Carr said. “You learn from everything that happened, and it’s another opportunity for you to make the best of it.”

Brent has not played in a game since Dec. 2, 2012, after a car accident that cost the life of teammate and friend Jerry Brown. The Cowboys placed Brent on the non-football injury list for the remainder of the season and he retired before training camp began in 2013. Brent was sentenced to 180 days in jail and spent the final 45 days at a treatment facility. On Sept. 2 commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him 10 games for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance-abuse policies.

“He’s looking good,” linebacker Bruce Carter said. “He looks like he’s in shape. He’s got a smile on his face. He’s got a great spirit to him. I think that’s going to be good for our team, especially on our defense.”