Wide receiver Michael Clayton told reporters Monday that it feels good to be back at practice, after aggravating a hamstring strain at Jacksonville two weeks ago and sitting out the Miami game last Thursday.

“The guys have great energy, we’re all preparing for Dallas (in the season opener Sept. 13),” he said. Clayton was also joined on the practice field by Antonio Bryant, making his first appearance since undergoing surgery in early August to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Though neither will play in the exhibition finale Friday against Houston, Clayton acknowledged his excitement about playing alongside Bryant with the first-team offense when the time comes against Dallas.

“(I’m) very eager,” he said. “We put in a lot of work in the offseason. We have a chemistry and … we’ve really worked hard.”

He says the entire team is looking forward to facing the Cowboys. “Everyone’s excited about the home opener, playing in our own stadium against a great football team. It’s going to be exciting for the city, exciting for this football team. I can’t wait.”

-- By Dave Scheiber, Times Staff Writer