NFL roundup

49ers 23, Cowboys 6

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.

Long black hair swinging from his helmet, 303-pound defensive lineman Mike Purcell intercepted Dustin Vaughan’s pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown to help San Francisco beat Dallas. Purcell, a practice-squad player in 2013 and for all but the final two games last season, provided the highlight again after his six-tackle day last week in an opening loss at Houston. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo’s day was done after one three-and-out series then the Cowboys turned to Brandon Weeden, who left with a possible head injury. The Cowboys (1-1) were expected to be cautious with Romo and Co. at Levi’s Stadium, where the troublesome grass held up after causing concern for coach Jason Garrett and owner Jerry Jones. Craig Dahl also added an interception for San Francisco against third-stringer Vaughan. Quinton Patton blocked a fourth-quarter punt by Tom Hornsey and scooped it up in the end zone for a 49ers touchdown. Dallas avoided a shutout when fourth-string QB Jameill Showers threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Nick Harwell in the waning moments.

Titans 24, Rams 14

NASHVILLE, TENN.

Marcus Mariota turned in a clean performance in his home debut, Tennessee cornerback Perrish Cox returned an interception 24 yards for a touchdown and the Titans beat St. Louis to spoil Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s return to town. A week after Mariota was sacked, threw an interception and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, the No. 2 pick overall out of Oregon was 5 of 8 for 58 yards with no turnovers.

Associated Press