GARRETT RALLIES COWBOYS PAST PACKERS

   Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys both continued a pair of
   Thanksgiving traditions Thursday.
   
   Garrett, a third-string quarterback forced into a starting role
   because of injuries to Troy Aikman and Rodney Peete, directed the
   offense to 36 second-half points as the Cowboys rallied for a 42-31
   victory over the Green Bay Packers.
   
   Garrett's performance was reminiscent of 20 years ago, when backup
   Clint Longley replaced an injured Roger Staubach and led the Cowboys
   to a stunning victory over the Washington Redskins. Garrett helped
   Dallas move to 18-8-1 all-time on Thanksgiving.
   
   The Detroit Lions, who began the tradition of National Football League
   games on Thanksgiving, defeated the Buffalo Bills, 35-21, in an
   earlier game.
   
   Garrett, making his second NFL start, was 15-of-26 for 310 yards and
   two touchdowns. The Cowboys trailed 17-6 at halftime but Garrett
   directed the club to 36 second-half points and its highest point total
   since Super Bowl 27 against Buffalo.
   
   Garrett got some help from All-Pro running back Emmitt Smith, who
   rushed for 133 yards and two scores. Smith also caught six passes for
   95 yards for the Cowboys (10-2).
   
   Aikman has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee and
   could miss three to four weeks. Peete has a sprained right thumb and
   could be back next week.
   
   On Tuesday, the Cowboys signed quarterback Tommy Hodson as an
   emergency backup.
   
   Brett Favre was 27-of-40 for 257 yards and four touchdowns for the
   Packers (6-6), who have lost their last two games. All four touchdowns
   went to Sterling Sharpe, who caught nine passes for 122 yards and tied
   a team record for touchdown catches in a game established by himself
   and Don Hutson.
   
   Packers All-Pro lineman Reggie White, thought to be doubtful with an
   elbow injury, played and registered one sack. White has never missed
   an NFL game due to injury in his 10-year career.