Looks like it's Foles at QB vs. Bengals
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_72fc15d3-a5d9-57ee-85ba-fe975298c993.html
It looks like the benching of Rams quarterback Nick Foles will be short-lived.
That’s because Friday came and went at Rams Park with Case Keenum yet to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol.
“Unless we get good news (Saturday), then Nick will be our starter,” coach Jeff Fisher said following Friday’s practice. “If Case is completely cleared and he feels good, then he’ll start. But as it is right now, it’s looking like we’re going to potentially have to go with Nick.”
Usually, if players don’t clear the concussion protocol by Friday, they don’t play Sunday. Given the national attention over Keenum’s concussion, and the fact he wasn’t removed from the Baltimore game, why risk playing him Sunday against Cincinnati? Especially if he’s come so close to game day without passing the series of tests and examinations that comprise the concussion protocol.
“There will be some more tests that are done (Saturday),” Fisher said. “We’re not going to subject him to any risk whatsoever.”
Keenum was officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report Friday, with limited participation. Keenum did take repetitions with the starting offense in 11-on-11, or “team” situations, but Foles got most of the reps Friday.
“They were a little bit uneven today, but they split them equally Wednesday,” Fisher said. “So, we just have to wait to see how the protocol sorts itself out and how he feels (Saturday).”
Keenum wasn’t sharp before the injury in Sunday’s 16-13 loss at Baltimore, with several underthrown or otherwise off-target passes against the Ravens. With just over a minute to play and the score tied 13-13, Keenum bumped his head on the M&T Bank Stadium Turf on a sack by Ravens defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan.
Keenum held his hands behind his helmet for several seconds while still on the ground, and then didn’t get up right away when teammate Garrett Reynolds offered a hand to help him up.
Rams head athletic trainer Reggie Scott briefly checked on Keenum while officials sorted out and then marked off a penalty on the play, but Keenum stayed in the contest for the Rams’ final two offensive plays.
The incident set of a firestorm of criticism as to why Keenum stayed in the game, and why the NFL’s injury spotter didn’t signal for a medical timeout to have physicians check out Keenum on the sideline. Fisher subsequently said he was not aware that Keenum had suffered a concussion until after the game.
While Keenum was working his way through the protocol, Fisher said Foles had “a great week” of practice.
“He seized the opportunity. ...” Fisher said. “He loves the game plan and he’s ready to play. I think our offense understands where the challenges are, and we need to score points. Nick’s excited about the opportunity if he plays.”
Foles was benched after another subpar outing two weeks ago in a blowout loss to Chicago. At the time Fisher said Foles just needed to step back from the game for a while and regroup. While saying that Keenum would not have a short leash, Fisher told Foles that he would play again at some point.
No one could’ve known at the time that Foles would end up having less than two weeks to step back and regroup.
“Watching Case and looking through a different lens, you learn a lot through the experience,” Foles said Friday. “I’ve been preparing the same as I’ve always been. If you’re going to play quarterback, you always have to prepare like you’re starting. You’re always ready to go if your number is called.”
No stranger to the concussion protocol, Foles said he went through it a couple of years ago in Philadelphia and wasn’t able to play the following week.
“Case seems great,” Foles said. “He’s continuing to go through the protocol and that’s part of it. He’s just got to go through the protocol.”
Keenum was not made available to the media this week. If Keenum isn’t cleared to play, rookie Sean Mannion of Oregon State will dress as the backup quarterback against the Bengals. Mannion has been on the Rams’ pregame inactive list the previous 10 games of 2015.
“I’m always ready,” Foles said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve been ready to play and that hasn’t changed. Throughout what’s happened I’ve always remained (ready). I’ve been enjoying watching Case. I think the world of Case and how he prepares and how he is as a player.”
Prior to his benching, Foles’ completion percentage dropped in each of his past three games. He has thrown only one touchdown pass over his past four starts.
Whether just one game on the bench is enough to restore his battered psyche and bruised body remains to be seen.
“It’s not like I turn it on or turn it off,” Foles said. “I just stay ready.”
If he indeed gets the start at Paul Brown Stadium, Foles said, “I’m going to be the same Nick, and hopefully just play better. You want to go in there and play better, get a win, play efficient on offense, and get drives going. That’s the goal.”
With Tuesday’s shooting of wide receiver Stedman Bailey in the Miami area, and the jolt that sent through the team, Foles hasn’t had the time or inclination to engage in self-pity.
“We’ve had a lot of emotions here with Stedman,” Foles said. “I think that’s the big thing. Our prayers are with Sted. When one of your brothers goes through something like that, you’re just thankful for what you have and just saying our prayers for him.
“Going out and playing for him is important. When you step on the field and I step in that huddle, I’m so used to seeing him there.”
But an 8-2 Cincinnati team, smarting from back-to-back losses, and fighting for playoff position, isn’t about to feel sorry for Foles and the Rams.
“They’re a great team,” Foles said. “Obviously, one of the best teams in the NFL right now. Defensively, their front is pretty impressive with what they’re able to do. Secondary is going to try and disguise different things. ... I think the key to us is — it’s always — staying inside the chains. If we do get to third down, make sure it’s third and manageable.”
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