The Dallas Cowboys are prepared to use cornerback Adam Jones in place of injured Pro Bowler Terence Newman as the starting left cornerback for Sunday's season-opener against the Cleveland Browns.
The game will be Jones' debut in a Cowboys uniform and his first regular-season appearance since being suspended for the 2007 season for violations of the NFL player conduct policy.
"I can't hide it," Jerry Jones told the Dallas Morning News, talking about Adam Jones. "He sees it in my eyes. He smells it and I'm proud of him, and I'm proud for him."
Newman strained his groin muscle in training camp on July 28 and did not participate in the preseason. He is listed as questionable but a team source told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley that Newman would not play.
"[Newman's] a big part of our team and a big part of our defense," free safety Ken Hamlin told the Dallas Morning News. "If something happens in a game, guys have to step up and be ready to play."
The Cowboys' injury report Wednesday said Newman participated in practice, but coach Wade Phillips said the report was inaccurate. Newman has participated in limited activities the past three days.
With Jones replacing Newman, Anthony Henry will play right corner and fifth-round rookie Orlando Scandrick will take Newman's spot in the nickel defense.
The Cowboys believe cornerback is their deepest position, but facing Browns receivers Braylon Edwards and Donte' Stallworth without Newman is a dicey proposition.
ESPN
's Ed Werder and ESPN.com's Matt Mosley contributed to this report.