IRVING, Texas — As far as first impressions go, Pacman Jones could not have made a better one today.

Working out for the first time since the NFL partially reinstated him Monday, Jones intercepted a Richard Bartel pass that he would have returned for an touchdown, leading coach Wade Phillips to end the organized team activity on a high note.

"First time I think he was in there, you see 21 go the other way," tight end Jason Witten said. "I told him, `That's the third group. Don't get your hopes up. When you're with the first team, you won't get that one taken to the house.'

"Obviously, he's a great player, but I think he's just excited to be out there. He was all smiles. I think he embraces the opportunity to play."

Jones, who is expected to meet the media on Wednesday, can work out with the Cowboys through the preseason before NFL commissioner Roger Goodell makes a decision on a full reinstatement by Sept. 1, six days before the regular-season opener at Cleveland.

"We should be careful about creating a graduation scenario here," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "I think what this is, is a recognition a player has a better chance if he can be with his team and go to work. As you know, sometimes the penalty just doesn't allow that, but the fact is he's going to get a chance to do that. But it's not reinstatement. It gives him a chance to show what happens when you get those privileges."