Jones gets OK to play

The NFL confirmed yesterday that suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones can join the Dallas Cowboys Monday and that he can play Dec. 7 against Pittsburgh - but only if he stays on his best behavior.

Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a brief statement confirming the details of Jones's return, noting that it can only happen "if he avoids any further incidents and fully complies with each and every condition that has been established for him."

Those conditions were not outlined, although it's believed that he must keep up with the aftercare of the alcohol rehabilitation program he underwent since being suspended Oct. 14.

Money woes ahead
As much as teams are feeling a financial squeeze already, Goodell fears the economic downturn really could hit the league in early 2009, when tickets for next season go on sale. "We're still, unfortunately, in the beginning stages of this. And most of our tickets are sold in the spring. And so '09 is going to be more of a barometer of how impactful the economic environment's going to be on the NFL," Goodell said in an interview with the Associated Press . . . According to a report by federal investigators, former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick put family pets in rings with pit bulls and thought it was funny watching the trained killers injure or kill the helpless dogs, a witness claimed during the dogfighting investigation that brought Vick down. The 17-page report was released under the Freedom of Information Act . . . Jets rookie quarterback Erik Ainge, the nephew of Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, has been suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances . . . The league fined Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards ($25,000 for two hits against Tampa Bay last Sunday) and Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones ($15,000 for excessive celebration after a touchdown at Jacksonville).

Corner trouble
The Titans, already missing cornerback Eric King (broken arm), will be without cornerback Reynaldo Hill (hip), and cornerback Nick Harper (foot) is listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game against the Jets. Also missing the game will be Jets linebacker David Harris (groin surgery) and safety Eric Smith (head injury) . . . Redskins running back Clinton Portis was limited in practice with a sprained knee and is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the Seahawks . . . Colts coach Tony Dungy said there's a good chance cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee) will return to the starting lineup tomorrow at San Diego after missing six games. The status of safety Bob Sanders (knee) won't be determined until game time . . . Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (right hamstring) was limited at practice and will be a game-time decision against the host Cardinals.