STRAHAN PLAYING CATCH-UP

Michael Strahan admitted yesterday he was “a little confused” during practice as he continues to fast-forward the learning process and suit up for Sunday night’s season-opener in Dallas. Other than that, though, he appears on schedule to be in uniform after ending his 36-day holdout earlier this week.

“I feel good,” Strahan said yesterday. “I’ll see how I feel tomorrow. Today I ran a lot more plays than I ran before, the last two days. If I am going to feel good I’ll be out there.”

That decision rests with Tom Coughlin, who said he’ll probably wait until as late as he can - Saturday - before making up his mind. Coughlin said Strahan is in “very good running shape,” and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo added. “It takes a little while to get oiled up. We are going to fast feed him and let him roll.”

Unless he has a setback, figure Strahan will be activated and get on the field for 15-20 snaps.

Strahan increased his workload on the field and also in the film room.

While Strahan worked, another defensive end, Osi Umenyiora, missed practice. Umenyiora received permission to travel to Tennessee to attend the birth of his first child.

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The fairly playful comment Wednesday by RB Brandon Jacobs that the Giants are going to “whip their [butt]” found its way down to Dallas. “We’ll take care of him on Sunday,” Cowboys NT Jason Ferguson said. “He won’t be talking much then.” ... Two rookies will hold prominent spots on special teams for the opener. CB Aaron Ross, the first-round pick from Texas, will serve as the gunner on the coverage units in place of injured David Tyree. RB Ahmad Bradshaw, a seventh-round pick from Marshall, will return kickoffs.

CB Sam Madison (hamstring) participated fully in practice but may be held back one week for fear of re-injury. ... Cowboys WR Terry Glenn experienced a setback and was unable to work because of swelling in the right knee that underwent arthroscopic surgery back on Aug. 1.

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