IRVING, Texas — The Cowboys signed veteran offensive guard Mackenzy Bernadeau in March to strengthen an interior offensive line group that struggled in 2011.
But getting acclimated to his new teammates and coaching staff was put on hold because of a hip injury suffered during offseason workouts that required surgery. He was placed on the active physically unable to perform list Wednesday.
Bernadeau attended practice Wednesday at Valley Ranch but was limited to rehabilitation work with trainers on the side.
"I'm day-to-day right now," Bernadeau said. "I'm feeling confident with how things are going so far. I'm just trying to get back as soon as possible, get my leg strength back. My range of motion is feeling good. My flexibility is doing good. We'll play it day-by-day right now.
"It's going to take a while to get my leg strength back."
According to the 320-pounder, missing organized team activities and mini-camp hasn't prevented him from learning a new offensive system, but it has left him behind in terms of learning the technique being taught by first-year Cowboys offensive line coach Bill Callahan.
"I'm a little bit behind on the technique but that just comes with hard work when I do get back, and I'm going to fit it in whenever I can," he said. "Whatever my body allows me to do, I'm getting in as much as I can. I'm confident about coming back and being where I need to be and doing what I got to do."
Last season, Bernadeau, who signed a four-year, $11 million contract with the Cowboys, only started once. He started five games at right guard and seven games at left guard in 2010.
Bernadeau, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is projected to start at right guard.
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