OXNARD, Calif. – For the first time since signing as a free agent in March, guard Mackenzy Bernadeau is expected to practice with the Cowboys.
Tuesday's afternoon session, a full-padded workout, will include Bernadeau, who has been out since undergoing hip surgery not long after he signed away from the Panthers.
Coach Jason Garrett said in his daily press conference Bernadeau will be eased in practice Tuesday, which will be followed by Wednesday's day off.
"He should be back ready to go on Thursday," Garrett said of Bernadeau. "We're excited to see him out there. He's behind and needs to get those reps."
Garrett said it would likely be too "aggressive" to think Bernadeau would be ready to play in the first preseason game next Monday (Aug. 13) in Oakland. But then again, Garrett wouldn't rule that out and added, "let's see how he responds."
Bernadeau signed a four-year, $11 million contract, a deal that would suggest he would at least be the favorite to start at one of the guard spots.
Guard has been an interesting situation during camp, with Bernadeau out, Nate Livings getting banged up with a hamstring injury, along with Kevin Kowalski (ankle) and Bill Nagy (ankle) both out for at least 2-3 weeks.
The Cowboys have signed veterans Derrick Dockery and Daniel Loper, who have yet officially practice as they wait to get eligible after signing as free agents on Friday.
