CBS confirmed to E! News that Cochrane, whose character died in a shoot-out when his gun malfunctioned during the series' 2004 season premiere, will return for an unspecified number of episodes this fall.

"He will be reprising the role of Tim Speedle and it's not a flashback," a network spokesperson said. "He will be interacting with his old partner and friend, Eric Delko (Adam Rodriguez)."

Further up the "CSI" coast, former "Dawson's Creek" star Kerr Smith has agreed to play a recurring character on "CSI: New York." Smith will play Drew Becker, a forged documents expert and potential love interest for series regular Melina Kanakaredes' Stella Bonasera, E! News reported Monday.

Smith, 35, starred in the short-lived series "E-Ring" and "Justice," and guest starred on "Charmed," "The Closer" and "CSI: Miami."