<div id="subtitle">Pain in the neck: Pacman says he was hurting before big hit took him out of lineup</div><div><p>Adam "Pacman" Jones says the herniated disk in his neck that forced him to miss Dallas' last game was bothering him even before he took a hard hit.</p><p>"I had been complaining about my neck. It could be a possibility that I already had that," the Cowboys cornerback said Thursday.</p><p>Jones was injured in the first quarter two Sundays ago at Pittsburgh in his first game after a six-week suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. He finished that game, but tests showed a herniated disk and there was talk of shutting him down for the season.</p><p>"It was always a chance the swelling would go down," Jones said. "I'm more happy than surprised."</p><p>The short conversation at his locker made for Jones' first public comments since before the alcohol-related scuffle with one of his bodyguards Oct. 7 that led to his suspension. But he spoke only about his injury and his quick return from it.</p><p>After not playing Sunday night against the New York Giants, Jones returned to practice this week after doctors re-evaluated his condition. He is expected to start at cornerback and return kicks Saturday night against Baltimore.</p><p>There were initially concerns that the injury could be career threatening.</p><p>"Any time someone tells you that, you're going to be afraid. Thank God it's not," he said. "I've never taken this game for granted. It could be over in a quick second. That's how it is, man. I've got to take advantage of the time I have now."</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=38917324&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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