Sources: Pacman Jones will return kickoffs and punts

IRVING -- Dallas cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones spent much of the early part of the season begging to be allowed to return kickoffs for the Cowboys.

Jones will get his wish in his first game back from being suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Jones will be the team’s primary kickoff and punt returner against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, according to two sources.

Jones will also play in some substitution packages and on defense.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips declined to get into specifics about Jones’ official role.

But the special teams depth chart lists Jones as the primary returners on both punts and kickoffs.

“Pacman might be back there some,” Phillips said, when asked if Jones would return kickoffs.

Jones averages 5 yards per punt return on 16 opportunities with a long of 18 before being suspended. Receiver Patrick Crayton has averaged 9.9 yards per return on 11 attempts with a long of 33 in his place the past six games.

Yet, Jones will replace Crayton as the primary punt returner because he is considered a better big-play threat.

The decision to replace receiver Isaiah Stanback with Jones on kickoff returns probably is rooted in numbers. Stanback, who is coming off his best game as a returner with a 58-yard effort against the Seattle Seahawks, doesn’t play on any other special teams. He is also not used much in the regular offense. He likely won’t be active for the game.