by Tom Orsborn, STAFF , San Antonio Express-News

"We let it linger if we keep putting him back in before he's 100 percent," Phillips said.

Hurd is tied for the team lead in receptions with six. The Brackenridge graduate has a team-high 96 receiving yards.

Three other players didn't practice Wednesday: tight end Martellus Bennett (stomach virus), linebacker Stephen Hodge (swollen knee) and linebacker Bobby Carpenter, whose eye swelled shut after he came in contact with poison ivy.

While Bennett and Carpenter should be ready for the game, Phillips expressed doubt that Hodge would play. Hodge, a sixth-round pick from TCU, hasn't practiced this week because of complications from offseason surgery.

"Hodge has had fluid on his knee throughout," Phillips said. "They drained it and are hoping with a little more rest, they won't need to keep doing it."

Defensive end Marcus Spears returned to practice after missing Tuesday's workout with a sore quad.

Center help: Center Duke Preston agreed to a one-year deal Wednesday. He's expected to sign today after undergoing a physical.

Green Bay cut Preston on Tuesday after signing him in March. A fifth-year veteran from Illinois, Preston started 11 games for Buffalo in 2008 and is expected to compete with Cory Procter to back up Andre Gurode.

The move became necessary after backup guard Montrae Holland struggled snapping the ball during training camp.

In other news involving the offensive line, Phillips said he wants to get an extended look at backup guard Travis Bright against the 49ers.

"He's practiced well, and his one-on-one pass protection has been good," Phillips said of the undrafted free-agent rookie from BYU.

Cooling off: Because of the heat, Phillips moved Wednesday's scheduled afternoon workout to the morning.

After three weeks in the air-conditioned Alamodome, the Cowboys returned to Valley Ranch for outdoor workouts in preparation for the regular-season opener Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay.

"I thought we pushed through it two days in a row, but you're not going to play three games in a row in three days," Phillips said. "I think we are getting accustomed to it and adjusted to it."

Today's workout will be at Cowboys Stadium.

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