The ability to return punts isnt a problem in 2006. Its cheap, but one way to do it is to pick the Punt Block Man play. Then after the cpu audibles to block your defense, audible to the original punt return play (Triangle, then R1 on PS2)
The cpu will keep their men back just enough for you to get a few more yards. Sometimes they get down that you still have to call a fair catch, but most of the times you'll get realistic punt return yards.