Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

For Cowboys, attention turns quickly to Giants

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' preseason was barely a few minutes old but Tyrone Crawford was asked about the team's first regular-season foe, the New York Giants.

"I've already been thinking about it for three weeks," Crawford said. "Like really, really thinking about it. But I've been thinking about it for the longest time."

Training camp is over. The preseason games are over. The players get a quick three-day respite as the front office, scouts and coaches make their decisions on the final 53-man roster. But the Giants are at least close to the top of the list with the Sept. 13 opener approaching quick.

"You're watching the preseason games and getting ready obviously," linebacker Sean Lee said. "The Giants are always an extremely tough opponent. They're going to be tough this year. So trying to get ready for the game is going to take a lot of work."

The Giants' game was always the light at the end of the training camp tunnel for the players not sweating the final roster. The Cowboys' top goal was to come out of the preseason healthy. The only season-ending injury of note was to cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee.

Right guard Zack Martin played in only one preseason game but said he will be on the practice field Monday when the players get back to work. Fellow offensive line starters Tyron Smith (biceps) and Doug Free (foot) missed practice time but are now OK.

Linebacker Anthony Hitchens has a foot injury that could affect his availability for the opener but he is no longer in a walking boot. Cornerback Brandon Carr had surgery on a broken right hand but he will play against the Giants.

They will be without two defensive starters, Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain, because of suspension.

"I think we've laid a really good foundation, a foundation of hard work and guys not saying a whole lot but just coming to work every day," coach Jason Garrett said. "I think this group really likes football and I think they like each other. They want to be part of something special, and I think they recognize the importance of the hard work they put in each day. That's really the culture we live in."

Kickoff is in 10 days.

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