Case Keenum Gives His Thoughts On Potential Start Saturday

It is hard to keep up with the unfortunate flurry of COVID-19 positive cases coming out of Berea for the Cleveland Browns.

After Tuesday’s jarring news about the many positive cases, more troubling news came in on Wednesday morning of additional COVID-19 positive test results for Coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield.

That means the Browns could also be without both Stefanski and Mayfield for Saturday’s Week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Browns’ QB Baker Mayfield is said to “feel completely normal”, per a source, but he has tested positive for COVID. Now Case Keenum is in line to start Saturday vs. the Raiders, with Nick Mullens as his backup.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021

Certainly, there is a lot of contingency planning going on; however, there is a bit of solace knowing that backup quarterback Case Keenum is not COVID positive and is prepared to start on Saturday if necessary.

Updated with Keenum quotes: 'Thank God we have Case Keenum': #Browns coaches express confidence in backup quarterback after Baker Mayfield tests positive for COVID-19https://t.co/elaS3gIhhr via @beaconjournal

— Marla Ridenour (@MRidenourABJ) December 15, 2021

What Keenum Said

Keenum is 1-0 in his starts this season.

He started in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos.

The Browns were low on personnel that game also.

D’Ernest Johnson carried the load as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were both out.

Keenum has maintained a position of readiness which he believes is necessary in his role knowing he could be called upon at any time.

He is unflappable, and his Wednesday comments prove it.

Keenum said:

“We’re looking nowhere but forward. We have no time or energy to look behind us.”

#Browns QB Case Keenum: "We're looking nowhere but forward. We have no time or energy to look behind us."

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) December 15, 2021

Keenum Is Right

He can be called upon to be ready in a split second during a game if Baker Mayfield is injured so this may actually be a luxury for Keenum to have three days notice that he could get the start.

That means he is taking first-team reps and working with whatever offensive players are available because COVID-19 and injuries have depleted the ranks.

He is feeling positive about the game plan and his teammates.

Regarding the game plan, he said:

“I feel really good the game plan the coaches are putting together and with the guys out there to execute it.”

#Browns QB Case Keenum: "I feel really good the game plan the coaches are putting together and with the guys out there to execute it."

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) December 15, 2021

As Keenum said, the Browns cannot look backward; that is time-consuming and counterproductive.

The Raiders await, and this team needs a Week 15 win to stay in the playoff hunt.