ARLINGTON, Texas -- With outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware practicing Tuesday, it would appear his tight hamstring has loosened up and he's going to play in the opener at the New York Giants on Sept. 5.

At the Cowboys' annual kickoff luncheon on Tuesday afternoon, Ware received the award as the team's best defensive player. And he couldn't hide his excitement for the Giants.

"I'm up here shaking right now because I'm ready to play the Giants," Ware said before putting the microphone down.

The Cowboys lost two games each to the Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles last season. But the losses to the Giants were bitter.

In the first meeting, the Cowboys blew a 34-22 lead in the second half. They still had a chance to win the game, but Dan Bailey's 47-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Jason Pierre-Paul in the closing seconds.

The Cowboys needed to win the regular-season finale to make the playoffs, but gave up the first 21 points to start the game. Dallas managed to cut the deficit to seven but couldn't complete the comeback, losing 31-14.

On top of that, the Giants won the Super Bowl.

The Cowboys have already started preparing for the Giants this summer. In the late stages of training camp, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was yelling out instructions to his unit as to how to defend against the Giants.

Ware and his teammates seem angry when it comes to the Giants.

The Cowboys have never beaten the Giants at Cowboys Stadium, and now they have to open the season at MetLife Stadium as their rivals get their Super Bowl rings.

The Cowboys, at least from how Ware acted on Tuesday, can't wait.