Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer announced Wednesday he will stay with quarterback Case Keenum as the starter for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The move was expected after Keenum threw for 304 yards and a career-high four touchdown passes with two interceptions in leading the Vikings to a 38-30 victory at the Washington Redskins last Sunday for their fifth straight win.
There was speculation Zimmer might turn to former starter Teddy Bridgewater, who was activated to the 53-man roster last week. Bridgewater, who suffered a devastating left knee injury in August 2016 and has not played in a game since, will serve as Keenum’s backup for the second straight week, putting his 2017 debut on hold for now.
Zimmer said the decision to start Keenum, who spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Rams, was “not difficult” as his team prepares for Sunday’s important home game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings are in first place in the NFC North at 7-2 and face the NFC West-leading Rams, also 7-2. Keenum is 5-2 as Minnesota’s starter this season during injured Sam Bradford’s absence.
Keenum will go head-to-head with Jared Goff, the former No. 1 overall pick who replaced him as Rams starter in November 2016 after Keenum went 4-5 to begin the season.
“He’s a great dude,” Keenum said of Goff. “We’ve kept up throughout the season, obviously a lot of congratulatory texts between the two of us. I think one of my friends said it, ‘Just like everybody predicted. Case Keenum with the 7-2 Minnesota Vikings going up against the 7-2 Rams.’ I’m excited. I really am. He’s a great player. He’s playing really well. I’m excited for him.”
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(photo courtesy of Vikings.com)