SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Chargers have few open roster spots after they reached the AFC championship game last season. But rookie Jacob Hester is making a strong case for one.
Hester ran for two touchdowns as the Chargers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-17 Saturday night in the first preseason game for both teams.
San Diego’s third-round draft pick out of national champion Louisiana State, Hester scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards. He gained 49 yards on 13 carries.
Hester is competing with Darren Sproles to replace Michael Turner as the backup for two-time defending NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson. Sproles gained 7 yards on five carries and had a 5-yard touchdown run, one of three first-half rushing TDs for San Diego.
Tomlinson, who has a slight groin strain, rarely plays in the preseason and did not suit up. Tomlinson was not scheduled to play before he was hurt late in the week. In his career, he has just 14 preseason carries.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers played three series and directed the Chargers to a pair of touchdowns. He completed five of six passes for 54 yards and left early in the second quarter with a 14-7 lead.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo looked sharp in his only series as he led Dallas to the game’s first touchdown on an eight-play, 54-yard drive. Romo completed all three passes for 33 yards. His 16-yard pass to Patrick Crayton to the 3-yard line set up Deon Anderson’s 2-yard scoring run.
The game was the Dallas debut of cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, signed as a free agent in the offseason. Although he did not start, he saw considerable action into the second half.
Jones, who sat out last season after being suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, was called for a pass interference call in the third quarter that moved the ball to the Cowboys’ 2-yard line, setting up Hester’s 2-yard run.
The game also was the first for Marion Barber as Dallas’ starting running back. Barber, a Pro Bowler last season, gained 24 yards on four carries while also playing one series.
Felix Jones, the Cowboys’ first-round draft choice out of Arkansas, carried six times for 32 yards.
San Diego also scored on a 1-yard run by Mike Tolbert and on Nate Kaeding’s 53-yard field goal to lead 24-10 at halftime.
