SAN DIEGO – Less than a week after some struggles up front against Oakland, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was pleased with the offensive line play Saturday against San Diego.

“I thought early that our offensive line was giving (Tony) Romo some good protection. That was encouraging,” Jones said. “Obviously we had some struggles with the penalties, which really compromised us or we would have had more to smile about.”

David Arkin, who started his second straight game at center, was called for two penalties – holding and ineligible man down field - on the second drive and might have had three if you want to discount what the replacement referee announced.

Romo, however, had clean pockets to throw the ball, even on downfield routes, and DeMarco Murray was able to be effective running the ball. His best run, however, came on his own when he dodged a tackler in the backfield.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do in our offensive line, but I’m pleased,” Jones said. “I think we’ve got the parts to the puzzle there in the line and I know we’re going to have two potentially come back this week in (Nate) Livings and (Phil) Costa. And that’s good, so I’m encouraged because they’re coming back.”

Livings returned from a hamstring injury to practice on a limited basis for a day last week. Costa has missed the first two preseason games because of a lower back strain. Backup tackle Jermey Parnell did not play Saturday because of a stiff neck.