SAN DIEGO – Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings were signed two days apart in March to be the Cowboys' right and left guards, but they had not been on the field together until Monday.

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Five months is a long time to wait, but injuries to Bernadeau’s hip and knee kept him out for the entire offseason and early part of camp, while a hamstring injury knocked Livings out for about two weeks in camp.

Monday’s work against San Diego was their first time in the huddle together.

“I felt synced in,” Livings said. “You know how you sync your phone to your computer? I felt like we were in sync. We’ve got a ways to go, but it’s all about getting better every day. That’s what I try to do when I’m on the field. You’re either getting better or getting worse. Today I felt I got better.”

Livings took most of the first-team work against the Chargers, but veteran Derrick Dockery also got some work as the athletic training staff wanted to ease Livings back into his return.

Livings is hoping to play Saturday vs. St. Louis.

“Most definitely,” Livings said. “That’s what I’m here for. I’m here to play ball. I’m not here to be on the sidelines watching my teammates play. I’m here to play and compete. That’s what I want to do. That’s the only way we can get better as a team.”

The line was not complete, however, with center Phil Costa sitting with a lower back strain. He will not practice Tuesday either.