Columnists: Todd Archer

Todd Archer

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IRVING – Stephen McGee isn't sure he will start tonight's preseason finale against Miami.

Wade Phillips said as much Tuesday but McGee had not been given any word on how much he will play against the Dolphins. Starting or relieving Jon Kitna, McGee understands what is expected of him as the Cowboys close the preseason: show growth.

"I've done everything I can up to this point," McGee said. "At the end of the day, that's what I'm happy with, but I've got to continue to do my job and take care of my business."

In the first four preseason games, McGee has completed 26 of 45 passes for 220 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He's been sacked six times and has a 70.6 passer rating. McGee has directed three field goal drives this preseason but not yet one that has ended in a touchdown.

There have been good moments, with quick decision-making, and not-so-good moments that come with inexperience.

"I just take one play at a time; that's my mind-set," McGee said. "Just leave the last play behind, whether it's a touchdown or an interception or whatever it was. Everything is one play at a time and move on."

If the Cowboys follow last year's quarterback plan for a preseason final tonight, then Kitna lasted five series at Minnesota before giving way to Rudy Carpenter. A knee injury kept McGee out of the Vikings game, but he is healthy this time, and Phillips believes last year's fourth-round pick has made a step forward in recent weeks.

"He seems to be more and more comfortable in this pro-type offense," Phillips said. "We all know it takes quarterbacks awhile, but we want to give him this opportunity to go out there and do what he can do to prepare and get ready."

During the last week in Oxnard, Calif., McGee mostly ran the scout team. While it wasn't the Cowboys offense, it gave him the chance to get more work in practice instead of a snap or two with the third-team offense.

"For me it seems a little easier when I get a rhythm out there," McGee said.

If things go well for the Cowboys in 2010, it might be the last time McGee throws a pass in a game. But a positive showing would reinforce his position on the 53-man roster.

In recent years, the Cowboys have kept only two quarterbacks on the active roster and had a third on the practice squad.

Because he was inactive for every game last year, McGee remains eligible for the practice squad should the Cowboys decide to go only with Romo and Kitna to create an opening at another position.

McGee doesn't seem worried.

"They've seen what I can do," McGee said. "They know my abilities. I just want to have fun and compete and do what I love to do."

Stephen McGee's preseason