Browns’ Keenum ready for ‘fun one’ vs. Raiders
QB likely to start after Mayfield tests positive
Browns special teams coordinator Mike Priefer witnessed Case Keenum's Minnesota magic in 2017.
Holding the same role with the Vikings from 2011-18, Priefer saw Keenum post an 11-3 record as the starter when they finished 13-3 and reached the NFC Championship, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
That's why Priefer believes in Keenum, who is likely to start Saturday's must-win game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Firstenergy Stadium after quarterback Baker Mayfield tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
“Thank God we have Case Keenum, I'll be honest with you,” Priefer said. “Case is going to run the game plan exactly how it should be run, and I know the whole team has confidence in him.”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski also tested positive Wednesday despite having received a booster shot. If Stefanski does not produce two negative tests within 24 hours by Saturday, Priefer will serve as acting head coach, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call plays against the Raiders.
With his sixth team since he entered the league in 2013, Keenum called this situation “pretty unique.”
“That's why you prepare every day to be ready to go when your number's called,” Keenum said, “and looks like that number's getting called.”
Asked how players took the stunning news, with 14 players going on the reserve/covid-19 list in two days, Keenum said, “I think it really hit everybody in stride, maybe not the guys who got put on the list. But for guys now getting an opportunity, it's all eyes forward.”
Earning a $6 million base salary this season, Keenum is 28-35 as a starter in his career, 1-0 in 2021. Keenum completed 21 of 33 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown for a 90.3 rating in a 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Oct. 21, when Mayfield was out due to a shoulder injury.
“On Saturday, rain, snow, sleet or whatever comes our way, which it looks like it's going to be a fun one, we get to go out there and throw the football around,” said Keenum.