Browns QB Case Keenum on filling in for Baker Mayfield: 'I’ve been ready since I got here'

Cleveland Browns quarterback Case Keenum first joined the organization in March 2020 to serve as a backup for starter Baker Mayfield but now finds himself in the lineup for Thursday's primetime game against the Denver Broncos as Mayfield attempts to recover from the torn labrum he suffered when he first hurt his left (non-throwing) shoulder on Sept. 19, an issue he aggravated in this past Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. 

Keenum, who previously found success working under current Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski when both were employed by the Minnesota Vikings, spoke with the media Wednesday about the task at hand.

"I feel very ready," the 33-year-old said, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "I’ve been ready. You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready, and I’ve been ready since I got here. I’m excited." 

The journeyman veteran added: "I’m built for this. This is what I’ve done my whole career."

Later, Keenum was even able to joke about Broncos star pass-rusher Von Miller humorously saying on Tuesday he intends to "kill" whatever offensive tackle is opposite him on Thursday night. 

Keenum and Miller were teammates with the Broncos in 2018. 

"I think he changed his number," Keenum remarked about texting Miller. 

The statuses of Cleveland starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. (ankle) and Jack Conklin (knee) for Thursday aren't yet known, but Keenum will definitely be without running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt because of calf issues. 

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