Jared Goff falters in first preseason work for Rams

Jared Goff didn't get the chance to make much of an impression in his first push for the Los Angeles Rams' starting job.

The rookie quarterback from Cal and No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NFL draft struggled to establish a rhythm in the Rams' preseason opener Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys, completing four of nine passes for 38 yards and an interception.

Goff was pulled after just one quarter of action due to a hit to his non-throwing shoulder sustained on the first drive. Both he and Rams coach Jeff Fisher said the move was precautionary, however.

"I've played through much worse," Goff said after the game.

In his first series, Goff held onto the ball on third down as an oncoming blitzer barreled down on him. Goff was hit as he threw, and Cowboys linebacker Mark Nzeocha plucked the ball out of the air for an easy interception.

Goff established a rapport with rookie tight end Tyler Higbee on his second drive, as the two connected three times for 35 yards on the second drive. But wide receiver Pharoh Cooper couldn't hold onto a second-down pass deep down the middle, and Goff took a third-down sack that forced the Rams to punt and end the two-minute drill.

Current Rams starter Case Keenum was efficient if unremarkable, completing six of seven passes for 58 yards before ceding to Goff. Keenum largely worked the short passing game - his biggest gain came on a screen to running back Benny Cunningham, who picked up 20 yards on the play.

Goff was replaced by Sean Mannion to start the third quarter.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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