IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys had three weeks of training camp workouts in California and Denver -- with one day off -- and two pre-season losses.

Now the Cowboys are home and preparing to face Houston on Friday at Texas Stadium. The Texans have won both of their pre-season games.

Coach Wade Phillips says the Cowboys need more playing time to come together as a team.

The Dallas starters are expected to play into the second half on Friday, and maybe into the fourth quarter.

Dallas could have Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman (groin) and nickel linebacker Kevin Burnett (left knee) back for the September 7th opener at Cleveland.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)