To simplify all of this for OP, the system doesn't work the way he thinks it does.

1. OP is qualified for Pre because he has GE.
2. To access Pre he must include his GE details in the PNR for the flight in question. That might be included in his FF profile or might need to be entered on a booking-by-boooking basis.
3. The physical GE card is meaningless in the context of US domestic travel. Leave it or carry it with your Passport.