THOUSAND OAKS — Jared Goff and Dak Prescott crossed paths twice before, and traded the spotlight.

Goff dominated it in Chicago in April 2016, when the Rams selected him with the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL draft, and Prescott got picked three rounds later. Prescott shone four months later, in a preseason game at the Coliseum, when he had a near-perfect debut against the Rams while Goff stumbled.

So here they are again, two young quarterbacks, both seemingly on upward trajectories, and they will officially meet for the first time when the Rams play at Dallas on Sunday. Prescott is the reigning NFL rookie of the year, while Goff has started 2017 as one of the league’s leading quarterbacks.

“Him being in my class, you tip your hat to what he did last year,” Goff said of Prescott after Wednesday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “Tremendous. And he’s been tremendous so far this year.”

Prescott leads a dynamic Cowboys offense that also features one of the NFL’s leading rushers, Ezekiel Elliott, and a balanced group of receivers and tight ends. Prescott has been solid this year, but his statistics have been eclipsed by those of Goff, who thus far has enjoyed a breakout 2017.

Goff ranks seventh in the NFL in passing yards (817), fourth in completion percentage (70.4), second in yards per attempt (10.1) and fourth in quarterback rating (118.2). In several categories, he ranks ahead of perennial stars such as Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, but Goff doesn’t seem impressed with himself.

“Like I’ve said before, I don’t really care what people think,” Goff said. “We just come out and try to get better every day in practice and try to execute. I think Sean has done a great job of calling plays so far, and guys are making plays after the catch. I just try to get them the ball and let them make plays.”

A year ago, Prescott was at the top of the rookie quarterback class. He went 10 for 12, for 139 yards, in that preseason debut for the Cowboys, then took over for the injured Tony Romo and led Dallas to a 13-3 record. Goff took over as the Rams’ starter with seven games remaining and didn’t win any of them.

Now, things look a bit different. The Rams, improbably, have scored the most points in the NFL heading into week four, and Goff is the recipient of accolades rather than last year’s doubts.

“He’s done a fantastic job,” Dallas coach Jason Garrett said. “They’re obviously playing really good offensive football and it doesn’t surprise me one bit. … There is no question that Jared is in a comfortable place and really doing a good job executing what they’re asking him to do.”

WESTBROOKS UPDATE

Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks, who was arrested last weekend and accused of several gun-related crimes, practiced Wednesday and apparently remains on track to play at Dallas. McVay left open the possibility that a change in Westbrooks’ legal status could impact his playing status.

Westbrooks, pulled over for speeding near Bakersfield, is alleged by police to have been carrying a stolen, loaded gun in his car. Westbrooks has not been charged with any crimes.

“Based on what we’ve talked about with Ethan in-house, we are supporting him,” McVay said. “When he talks to me and he looks me in the eye and tells me what happened, I trust him.”

NO PROTEST?

McVay said the Rams will not change their approach to the national anthem Sunday, and will continue to stand together along the sideline. Goff said a brief players-only meeting was held this week.

A player such as Robert Quinn, who has raised a fist during the anthem since the start of last season, can continue that gesture, but apparently all players will stand for the entirety of the anthem.

“If anybody feels differently, they know I’ve got an open-door policy and we’ll discuss that,” McVay said. “We just don’t want to be ever caught off-guard with surprises.”

INJURIES, ROSTER MOVE

Safety Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring) and center John Sullivan (hip) missed Wednesday’s practice, as did offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth and linebacker Connor Barwin, who got normal rest days.

Receivers Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin, both of whom suffered concussions last Thursday at San Francisco, were listed as limited. Cornerback Kayvon Webster (shoulder) and running back Malcolm Brown (hamstring) returned to full participation.

The Rams signed receiver Fred Brown to their practice squad and released tight end Travis Wilson, a graduate of San Clemente High. Brown, 23, was released from Indianapolis’ practice squad this month.