IRVING, Texas -- As the Dallas Cowboys begin to look in earnest at their Sept. 13 opener against the New York Giants, they do so knowing the starting offensive line will not take a snap together in the preseason.

The Cowboys close the preseason Thursday against the Houston Texans, but the starters will not play.

Left tackle Tyron Smith (biceps) did not play in the first two preseason games. Right tackle Doug Free (foot) did not play in the first preseason game. Left guard Ronald Leary did not play in the second preseason game. Right guard Zack Martin (stinger) has missed the past two preseason games.

Only center Travis Frederick played in the first three preseason games.

“It’s always nicer the more time you get to work together like that, but we’ve got some work in the offseason and last year that has been quite a bit,” Free said. “It’s always good to get preseason snaps together, but if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. We’re better off having our guys healthier more than anything else.”

Martin has not practiced since getting hurt in practice against the St. Louis Rams because the team has wanted to keep him away from contact to rest the inflamed nerve. He has gone through individual drills and conditioning work and had a neck roll added to his shoulder pads for more protection.

Leary missed a couple of days with back spasms in camp. He is glad to be home and be sleeping in his own bed.

“I spent a lot of money on my bed to get it nice and hard like that,” Leary said. “It’s got me feeling a lot better.”

Free was shut down for about a week in camp because of soreness in his surgically repaired foot.

“I’m feeling great with the foot, had a little bit of some pain in there, but it’s taken care of and I’ll be ready for Day 1,” Free said.

Continuity is considered one of the more important facets of offensive line play. Last year, the Cowboys had the same starting five for 11 games. Jermey Parnell replaced Free for five games in the regular season. Mackenzy Bernadeau subbed for Leary in one game.

When the Cowboys get into their game planning for the Giants, the starting five is expected to be on the field together.

“We work real hard as a group so out there even though it’s just practice, we’re working like it’s game-like,” Leary said. “So we’ll have that continuity ready.”