IRVING, Texas - Given their recent rash of injuries, the Cowboys have to be happy about regaining one of their most important players in cornerback Terence Newman, who returned to practice Monday after missing the first three preseason games with a slight groin tear.

But that doesn't mean he'll play in the fourth and final one Thursday against Minnesota. Head coach Wade Phillips said the team will be cautious with Newman in order to preserve his availability for the season opener.

"We still have to be careful with him and make sure he's ready to go in the regular season," Phillips said. "So I'd say no, he probably won't play."

Newman found himself in a similar situation last year when he suffered a partially torn plantar fascia (in his heel) before the team's third preseason game. While the Cowboys initially thought Newman would be ready for the season opener, he didn't return until Week Three in a limited role.

Dealing with Newman's injuries last year has made tackling this year's absence much easier, Phillips said.

"Because he went through it last year, I think it's easier with him, and we've waited a good while," Phillips said. "We've been real cautious with it this year. Different injury, but we've been real cautious with it. We're going to make sure he's 100 percent, and I think it's gone a lot smoother."

Newman's return last season shored up what seemed to be a weaker secondary. But last year's weakness has now become this year's strength with the additions of Adam Jones and first-round pick Mike Jenkins, so the Cowboys can afford to bring him along slowly. Still, if needed, Newman could play hurt.

"He came in and played pretty well, even though he was hurt," Phillips said of Newman's injury last season. "Actually he was hurt when he played some. He was still coming off that injury."

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