The Sports Xchange

Case Keenum made enough of a case during the preseason to win the St. Louis Rams’ backup quarterback job behind starter Nick Foles.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday that Keenum, reacquired from the Houston Texans during the offseason, locked up the spot.

In other moves, rhe Rams released defensive tackle Doug Worthington and linebacker Keshaun Malone to reach the 75-player limit.

Keenum started 10 games the past two sesasons for the Texans. In the preseason with the Rams this year, he has completed 20 of 34 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown.

“He just has a good feel for offense and timing and release and is a natural athlete,” Fisher said. “Since the trade, he’s been able to sit here and really, really grasp the offense, so he has a good feel for what we’re doing.”

Keenum joined the Rams last year after the Texans traded for Ryan Mallett and released him. He did not play for St. Louis and returned to Houston late last year when the Texans were affected by injuries, starting the final two games and passing for 435 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

“Being a starting quarterback is very tough, but being a backup quarterback in that you have to be ready to go at any time with virtually no reps throughout the week is very tough,” Keenum said.

“It’s a mental strain. It’s during the game being warm, being ready to go at any time. When the quarterback gets hit, you’re always over there with one hand on your helmet not knowing what’s going on. It’s a tough position, but I like it.”