Cowboys top Cards as stars skip NFL preseason opener

CANTON, Ohio — The NFL is back, sort of.

With no stars and few starters on the field Thursday night, the Dallas Cowboys edged the Arizona Cardinals 20-18 in the Hall of Fame game.

At least the turf held up — unlike a year ago, when the game was canceled for safety reasons. The new field passed NFL operations directors' approval, and the footing was steady.

Rookie unlikely to beat out Dallas veteran for the placekicking job, made field goals of 23 and 43 yards, the latter providing the winning points in the fourth quarter.

The opening half featured a handful of big plays, with Arizona's third-string quarterback,

consistently finding open receivers down the middle.

“There were a couple specific plays by the defense on those first couple of drives,” Cowboys coach

said. “Blown assignments on a big third-down conversion, and it wasn't physical enough. It wasn't aggressive enough.”

Dallas' who missed last season with an ankle injury, had some success passing down the sidelines, but his secondquarter interception by

in the end zone ruined a drive.

With the likes of and their strong offensive line pretty much inactive, the Cowboys could point to veteran RB and receivers and

Morris showed off a spin move worthy of Elliott on a 25-yard run, Butler had 78 yards on two catches in the first half, and Gathers, a hoops starter at Baylor, made a 26-yard touchdown catch.

was already the oldest player on the Patriots roster before he stepped out on the practice field for training camp Thursday.

He spent the abbreviated workout being constantly reminded he's now a 40-year-old quarterback.

From a sculpture spelling out “G.O.A.T.” that was erected near the entrance of the practice field gate to multiple chants of his name to sporadic “Happy Birthday” serenades from spectators — everything revolved around No. 12 and his 40th birthday.

“It's fun. It reminds you that Tom's old. Very old,” Patriots safety

said. “But I think he has a lot of fun with it. A lot of guys sungH`appy Birthday' in the locker room. But it's also a reminder of how good he's been. Forty years old and still our best player.” Rams defensive lineman

a UF alum, will miss the season with a torn knee ligament, the team learned Wednesday. His absence left the Rams with just one healthy projected starter for their fifth practice at UC-Irvine. All-Pro lineman

still hasn't reported to camp while locked in contract negotiations with the club.

Nose tackle is healthy, but the Rams' line is in upheaval during a time when it should be honing new defensive coordinator 3-4 scheme.