EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle said he suffered a sprained ankle, but nothing more severe than that, and he hopes to return before the preseason is over.

"It is a pretty good sprain," Rolle said Tuesday. "I always say if I can't get up and walk off on my own, it is pretty bad. For right now, just from yesterday to today, it feels 10 times better.

Giants safety Antrel Rolle wore a walking boot while addressing reporters Tuesday but stressed that his sprained right ankle won't prevent him from playing in the regular-season opener against Dallas. Courtesy of Ohm Youngmisuk

"There is no time frame at this moment -- but as soon as possible. Try to get out there before preseason is over with and take it one day at a time."

Although his right foot is in a protective walking boot, Rolle isn't even thinking about missing the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.

"I am going to do whatever it takes to make sure that is not even a possibility," he said. "Treatment two times, three times, four times a day -- whatever it takes, I am going to do it."

Rolle came down awkwardly on his ankle when he got tangled up with tight end Bear Pascoe during a one-on-one coverage drill Monday. He needed help walking before being carted off the field.

"I tried to get up and walk off but I just couldn't bear it," Rolle said. "I couldn't bear it to do it. Did I think it was worse? Possibly, just because I heard a couple of popping sounds in my ankle.

"I think it was just part of my ankle rolling, it was just cracking. Just thank God it is nothing too severe, nothing I can't work through with just a little bit of time and hard work."

Rolle, who said he does not have a high ankle sprain, has led the Giants in tackles for the past two seasons and is a key part of the defense. The nine-year veteran also has emerged as one of the Giants' most vital leaders in the locker room.

"He's one of the building blocks," defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. "He's a brick. He's always there. He's tough. He's the mortar that seals us. His presence is always valuable for us."