Cowboys vs Dolphins first quarter recap: Game tied at 3

The Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys are through the first quarter in their NFL Preseason Week 3 game.

The game started with an interesting situation, with Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi sitting and Jason Trusnik starting in his place as the middle linebacker.  There was no reason given when the "inactives" list was first released, but it eventually was clarified that Misi has a shoulder injury.  He practiced all week, so this is either precautionary, or something changed between the final practice and tonight.

The Dolphins kicked off to the Cowboys top open the game, giving Tony Romo and the Dallas offense the ball first.  They managed to gain one first down, but stalled out after an incomplete pass on their second third down.  The MIami offense immediately began moving the ball back down the field, working both the running game and the passing attack.

On the drive, the Dolphins saw the return of tight end Charles Clay, who converted a first down on a slant route over the middle, and running back Knowshon Moreno, who carried the ball three times for 21 yards.  The Dolphins would ultimately drive the ball down to the Cowboys eight yard line before stalling and settling for a 26-yard field goal from John Potter.

With the 3-0 lead, the Dolphins kicked off to the Cowboys, who returned the ball 49-yards to near midfield.  It was punter Brandon Fields, however, who kicked the ball for Miami as Potter, who is the second kicker on the roster for Miami with starter Caleb Sturgis nursing a groin injury, headed into the locker room.

The Cowboys were able to move the ball down into Miami territory on the ensuing drive, but only to the Miami 34.  They were able to convert on a fourth-and-four play, with Romo hitting Dez Bryant on a slant for the conversion, but could not carry the momentum any further.  On the next third down, Miami came away with the sack, with Olivier Vernon cleaning up after Philip Wheeler made the initial contact but could not finish the tackle.  Dan Bailey tied the game at three with a 52-yard field conversion.

On the current Dolphins drive, the team has gone 36 yards on five plays, mostly behind hard running from Moreno.  The first quarter ends with the veteran running back having 40 yards on five carries - albeit against last year's worst run defense.

You can join in the live discussion of all the game action with your fellow Dolphins fans in our Cowboys vs Dolphins live thread.