Jared Goff vs. Case Keenum: Updates on Rams’ QB Battle

The Los Angeles Rams have yet to play a preseason game, but early indications reportedly suggest that rookie No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff is playing catch-up in the battle to start at quarterback.

Continue for updates.

Report: Keenum Leading Goff in Starting Race

Tuesday, Aug. 9

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Rams are currently favoring veteran Case Keenum as the starter under center when the regular season begins:

Rapoport added, however, that Goff still has plenty of chances to impress his coaches:

While the Rams gave up a lot of assets to trade up to the No. 1 slot in the 2016 NFL draft to select Goff, Keenum acquitted himself well and provided the only true stability the Rams had at the quarterback position last season.

Goff is undoubtedly viewed by the franchise as the long-term answer at quarterback, but the former California standout has made no secret of the fact he wants to start immediately.

When asked about his desire to start on Aug. 3, Goff said the following, per NFL Media: “The competitor in my wants to play, but it’s not my job to make that decision. That’s what the coaches are paid for.”

He also added he has “never not started” during his football career.

If Goff is not named the starter for Week 1, he will become the first quarterback selected No. 1 overall to not lead his team in the opener since JaMarcus Russell of the Oakland Raiders in 2007.

Teams usually don’t have another good option at the position when they are selecting first, but on the heels of a season that saw Keenum throw for four touchdowns and just one interception and go 3-2 in five starts, the 28-year-old isn’t a bad stopgap until Goff is ready.

The presence of superstar running back Todd Gurley should take a great deal of pressure off whoever wins the starting job, but if the Rams are looking to max out the excitement level in their first season back in L.A., there is no question Goff would be the preferred choice.

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