Keenum “jacked” to get back on field

When Case Keenum faced the Los Angeles Rams last year, it was a big deal.

It was a regular-season game against one of his former teams and both clubs were on their way to the playoffs. Keenum passed for 280 yards in a 24-7 Minnesota Vikings win.

When Keenum, now the Broncos’ starting quarterback, faces the Vikings in Saturday night’s preseason opener, the stakes will be considerably lower. Nonexistent, in fact.

“I love all of those guys,” Keenum said after Wednesday’s practice. “It’s going to be a competition, and we’re going to get after it. I know those guys (on Minnesota) are going to be jacked to get back on the field, just like I’m jacked to get back on the field.”

Keenum helped the Vikings to the NFC championship game, which they lost to Philadelphia. The Vikings then pursued Kirk Cousins in free agency.

Keenum said there are “no bad feelings” toward the Vikings, with whom he spent one season. He quickly landed with the Broncos via two-year contract.

Keenum called facing the Vikings’ defense a “great test.”

“I got a first-hand view (last year) of how good of a defense it is,” Keenum said. “I know we’ve got our work cut out for us. It’s going to be a great test.”

Coach Vance Joseph said the starters are expected to play two possessions.

“I love to play, so I’m going to play until they take me out,” Keenum said. “I want to drive down the field and score touchdowns.”