Case Keenum Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Bears game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 21, 2025
Emergency QB for Week 3
Keenum (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com, Keenum will serve as the Bears' emergency third quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. That means Keenum is prohibited from playing Sunday unless Williams and Bagent are both removed due to injury, illness or ejection.
Sep 14, 2025
Inactive, serving as emergency QB
Keenum (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Lions but is listed as Chicago's emergency third quarterback, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum won't count against the 53-man game-day roster. However, if Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent exit with an injury, illness or ejection, Keenum would be available to play.
Sep 4, 2025
Past leg injury
Keenum (leg) was absent from the Bears' estimated injury report Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Keenum missed the Bears' last two preseason games due to a leg injury. His absence from Thursday's injury report indicates that he is past the issue and is on track to serve as the Bears' QB3 behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent for Monday's regular-season opener against the Vikings at Soldier Field.
Aug 26, 2025
Secures roster spot
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Keenum (leg) will be one of three quarterbacks on Chicago's initial 53-man roster, behind starter Caleb Williams and newly-extended backup Tyson Bagent, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum, who picked up a leg injury mid-August and is reportedly considered day-to-day, appears in line to contribute as the Bears' emergency No. 3 quarterback this season. What the 37-year-old veteran brings to the table as a mentor for Williams and Bagent may, ultimately, be as valuable to Chicago as his ability to capably pilot the offense under center if needed.
Aug 15, 2025
Dealing with leg injury
Keenum did not practice Friday due to a leg injury, Adam Jahns of AllCHGO.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum is considered day-to-day, per Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune, so while his injury isn't a long-term concern, it may prevent him from suiting up for Sunday's preseason game against the Bills. The veteran signal-caller is competing with Tyson Bagent for the No. 2 quarterback role behind Caleb Williams, and if he can't suit up versus Buffalo it will provide fourth-stringer Austin Reed a chance to handle increased reps.
Jul 20, 2025
Returns from active/NFI list
The Bears activated Keenum (undisclosed) from the active/non-football injury list Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Keenum was one of a few players added that Chicago placed on the active/NFI list Saturday. It's unclear what issue the 37-year-old was dealing with, but it won't keep him from hitting the practice field as the Bears open training camp Tuesday. Keenum joined the team on a one-year contract in April, and, while he'll likely compete with Tyson Bagent for the No. 2 quarterback role, his primary contribution should come as a mentor for Caleb Williams as he enters his second season as a starter.
Jul 19, 2025
Moves to active/NFI list
Keenum (undisclosed) was placed on the active/non-football injury list by the Bears on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Once he's ready to start practicing again, the quarterback can return from the active/NFI list at any time during training camp and the preseason. Keenum signed a one-year deal with the Bears in April after missing the 2024 season with a foot injury. The veteran, who has made 66 career regular-season starts and two playoff starts, might be able to compete with Tyson Bagent for the backup job to Caleb Williams.
Apr 3, 2025
Adding depth to Chicago QB room
Keenum signed a one-year contract with the Bears worth up to $3 million with the Bears on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum missed all of the 2024 season with a foot injury while with the Texans. He's likely to be the third-string quarterback with the Bears, though he will add a veteran presence to an otherwise young positional group led by Caleb Williams.
Aug 27, 2024
Headed to IR
The Texans are placing Keenum (foot) on IR, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Per the report, Keenum's placement on IR is due to a lingering foot injury that he aggravated in the Texans' final preseason game against the Rams. As a result, C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills are on track to be the only QB's on the team's initial 53-man roster.
Aug 25, 2024
Heads to locker room Saturday
Keenum headed to locker room during Saturday's preseason game with what appeared to be an arm issue, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum, who walked off the field under his own power, appeared to have dinged his arm while following through on a throw. Testing revealed the 36-year-old sustained bruising. He'll be the third quarterback on the depth chart this season.
Jan 23, 2024
Under contract for 2024
Keenum has one year remaining on his contract heading into the 2024 offseason. He completed 34 of 53 passes for 291 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions in two games played during the 2023 season.
ANALYSIS
Keenum was locked in as the third-string quarterback when C.J. Stroud was healthy, but when Houston's No. 1 quarterback sat out Weeks 15 and 16 due to a concussion, head coach DeMeco Ryans opted for Keenum over primary backup Davis Mills. Both backups are under contract for the upcoming season, and the 36-year-old Keenum is expected to resume the role as emergency QB and helpful mentor for Stroud.
Jan 20, 2024
Emergency QB again
Keenum (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Ravens, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills are both healthy. Keenum would be called upon to serve as the emergency quarterback if both the aforementioned quarterbacks happen to get hurt.
Jan 13, 2024
No. 3 QB in wild-card round
Keenum (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Browns, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, Keenum will serve as the Texans' emergency third quarterback in the team's wild-card affair. The 35-year-old will only be able to enter Saturday's game if both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills leave with injuries.
Jan 6, 2024
Emergency QB for Week 18
Keenum (coach's decision) is listed as inactive for Saturday's game against the Colts, but he will serve as the emergency third quarterback, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum will the the QB3 for the second straight week after starting in Weeks 15 and 16. He'll only enter Saturday's game if both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills are forced to leave due to injury.
Dec 31, 2023
Serving as emergency third QB
Keenum (coach's decision) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Titans, but he'll serve as the Texans' emergency third quarterback, Drew Dougherty of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum got spot starts the last two games for an absent C.J. Stroud, combining for 291 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions on 34-for-53 passing in roughly six quarters of play. Now that Stroud is out of the concussion protocol and cleared to resume the No. 1 QB gig for Houston, Keenum will move back to his customary third spot on the depth chart, but he also is available in the event Stroud and Davis Mills have to leave Sunday's contest due to health concerns.
Dec 24, 2023
Gets benched in Week 16 loss
Keenum completed 11 of 17 passes for 62 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Davis Mills in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Mills was subbing in on certain packages right out of the gate, suggesting Keenum had a short leash, and after Houston fell behind 36-7 following his second INT of the day, he got the hook for good. C.J. Stroud could clear the league's concussion protocol in time for a Week 17 tilt against the Titans which should have a big impact on the Texans' playoff chances, but if the rookie QB remains sidelined for another game, Mills seems likely to get the start over Keenum.
Dec 22, 2023
Locked in for Week 16 start
Keenum is slated to start Sunday's game against the Browns with C.J. Stroud (concussion) ruled out for a second straight contest, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Upon the release of its final Week 15 injury report, Houston listed Stroud as doubtful ahead of the team's matchup with the Titans before he was ultimately inactive for the contest, but the rookie signal-caller will be ruled out two days in advance of this week's game after he failed to practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday. While stepping in for Stroud last week, Keenum completed 23 of 36 pass attempts for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding one yard on two carries in Houston's 19-16 overtime win over Tennessee. The 35-year-old Keenum could have difficulty replicating his modest results from last week while he faces off against the top-ranked Browns pass defense (158.9 passing yards allowed per game).
Dec 20, 2023
Likely to remain starter Week 16
Keenum is likely to make a second consecutive start Sunday against the Browns, as DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports that C.J. Stroud (concussion) is likely to remain sidelined.
ANALYSIS
Keenum started in Week 15 and guided the Texans to a 19-16 overtime win over the Titans with Stroud in concussion protocol. Stroud has yet to be officially ruled out for Week 16, but with the rookie unlikely to play, Keenum could get another start. Houston also has Davis Mills in the quarterback room but is unlikely to shift away from Keenum, who threw for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the win over Tennessee.
Dec 17, 2023
Manage Houston to win
Keenum completed 23 of 36 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 19-16 win over Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
Keenum drew the start with C.J. Stroud (concussion) sidelined and overcame a poor first half, during which he threw for only 83 yards and also had a pick-six. His overall stat line remained relatively uninspiring but led a pair of late drives to deliver a win. The first came late in the fourth quarter, when Keenum completed 5-for-6 for 56 yards and a three-yard touchdown. He then completed a key pass late in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal. While Stroud still needs to clear concussion protocols, he is likely to be available for a Week 16 matchup against the Browns, which would shift Keenum back to the bench.
Dec 16, 2023
Week 15 start awaits
Keenum is expected to start Sunday's game against the Titans with C.J. Stroud (concussion) ruled out for the contest, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Texans initially listed Stroud as doubtful for the Week 15 contest following the release of Friday's injury report, but the quarterback was subsequently downgraded to out Saturday after he was unable to clear the five-step concussion protocol. Stroud won't accompany the team to Tennessee and will continue his recovery in Houston while Keenum -- who was inactive for Houston's first 13 games -- picks up his first NFL start since 2021, when he was a member of the Browns. After serving as Stroud's top backup all season and coming on in relief of Stroud in last week's 30-6 loss to the Jets, Davis Mills proceeded to split first-team reps in practice with Keenum throughout the week, but Mills will ultimately remain in the No. 2 role while Keenum draws the starting nod.
Dec 16, 2023
Candidate to start Sunday
With C.J. Stroud (concussion) listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Titans, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston indicates via league sources that Keenum is expected to start at QB for the Texans versus Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
Per DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN, when asked Friday if Davis Mills (who took over for Stroud after he was forced out of last weekend's 30-6 loss to the Jets in the fourth quarter) would draw the start versus the Titans, coach DeMeco Ryans was non-committal, noting that both Mills and Keenum "have prepared this (whole) week, just like every position, everybody's prepared." However, based on Wilson's report it appears as though the Texans could be leaning toward turning to Keenum -- who reportedly took the majority of the first-team snaps during practices this week -- in Sunday's 1:00 ET contest.
Nov 29, 2023
Healthy ahead of Week 13
Keenum (calf) did not appear on Houston's injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Keenum was unavailable for the Texans' 24-21 loss to the Jaguars in Week 12 due to a calf injury, but he now appears to be ready to go for Sunday's matchup with the Broncos. The quarterback will likely step back into his role as the team's third option behind starter C.J. Stroud and primary backup Davis Mills.
Nov 26, 2023
Inactive Sunday
Keenum (calf) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Keenum will not be considered part of the active roster for Sunday's contest, as Davis Mills is set to back up starter C.J. Stroud. However, the veteran signal caller will likely be suited up as the team's emergency option at quarterback if needed.
Nov 24, 2023
Questionable for Sunday
Keenum (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
The veteran quarterback was unable to practice all week with a calf issue, but he's still got a shot at suiting up for Sunday's contest. Even if Keenum is active for Week 12, he'll remain behind both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills on the Texans' depth chart, and he'll likely serve as the team's emergency No. 3 QB.
Sep 17, 2023
Won't be active
Keenum (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Keenum won't be considered part of the active roster for Sunday, with David Mills entrenched as the No. 2 option behind starter C.J. Stroud. However, Keenum will likely still be dressed as the team's emergency option at quarterback.
Aug 30, 2023
Makes 53-man roster
Keenum has made the Texans' 53-man roster, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Texans drew trade interest for Keenum and Davis Mills ahead of Tuesday's deadline to make cuts, but both quarterbacks will remain on the team's initial 53-man roster as the backups to rookie C.J. Stroud. Keenum has appeared in 11 games over the past three seasons and will likely begin the 2023 campaign as the No. 3 quarterback in Houston.
Aug 23, 2023
Practicing again
Keenum (leg) returned to practice Wednesday, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum has been out of action since Aug. 14 when he initially missed practice and was spotted with a sleeve on his left leg. He'll now return to working to earn a spot on the roster as the team's No. 3 quarterback.
Aug 14, 2023
Absent from practice
Keenum didn't finish Saturday's practice and was not on the field for Sunday's session, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston reports. The quarterback was seen with a sleeve on his left leg at the end of practice.
ANALYSIS
This development sheds light as to why Houston signed quarterback E.J. Perry on Sunday. Perry can operate as a third QB while Keenum is unavailable.
Apr 28, 2023
Role uncertain
Keenum and Davis Mills are expected to compete for the backup job after Houston selected C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Either Keenum or Mills could be the Week 1 starter, but in the long-term, the position belongs to Stroud. Keenum was expected to help guide a young quarterback when he signed a two-year deal during the offseason, and that role should remain the same in 2023.
Apr 28, 2023
Role uncertain
Keenum and Davis Mills are expected to compete for the backup job after Houston selected C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Either Keenum or Mills could be the Week 1 starter, but in the long term, the position belongs to Stroud. Keenum -- who backed up Josh Allen in Buffalo last season -- was expected to help guide a young quarterback when he signed a two-year deal during the offseason, and that role should remain the same in 2023.
Mar 13, 2023
To sign two-year deal with Texans
Keenum has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Texans, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
35-year-old Keenum played his college ball at Houston and is going back home to compete for a backup job with the Texans. There is still a lot to be sorted out at the quarterback spot in Houston, as the Texans are fully expected to use the No. 2 overall pick in next month's draft on a passer. Davis Mills also remains on the roster.
Jan 26, 2023
Sees almost no action as No. 2
Keenum completed just two of seven passes for eight yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in spot duty in 2022.
ANALYSIS
Keenum was almost tossed into the spotlight twice in 2022 -- once when Josh Allen suffered a fairly serious elbow injury in a Week 9 loss and again when Allen took a big hit in the divisional-round loss to the Bengals. However, Allen played through a number of issues throughout the season and never missed a full game. Keenum is under contract for two more seasons, and with No. 3 quarterback Matt Barkley signing a reserve/future contract Monday, it looks like the Bills may be prepared to enter 2023 with the same quarterback room. Allen likely isn't going anywhere for years, but Keenum does hold intrigue as a player who's one injury away from directing a high-powered offense.
Nov 13, 2022
Looks set to remain backup
Keenum is expected to remain the Bills' backup quarterback Sunday against the Vikings with Josh Allen (elbow) active for the contest and slated to start, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Allen was listed as questionable heading into Sunday's game after he managed just one limited practice this week due to the UCL injury he sustained in the Week 9 loss to the Jets, the Bills' decision not to add a third quarterback to the active roster Saturday pointed to Allen being ready to go. While Allen avoided the inactive list, he didn't initially take part in warmups with the team before he finally got on the field to take the first 11-on-11 walk-through rep with the offense, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Allen's activity on the field accompanied with Schefter's report thus points to Keenum serving in his usual backup role, though Keenum will remain ready to go on in the event Allen incurs any in-game setbacks.
Nov 11, 2022
Could be needed for Week 10 start
Keenum could make his first start of the season in Sunday's game against the Vikings with top quarterback Josh Allen (elbow) listed as questionable but uncertain to play in the Week 10 contest, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
While tending to an injury to the UCL in his throwing elbow and related nerves, Allen sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a limited participant Friday. The limited session might have good enough for Allen to avoid being ruled out heading into the weekend, but head coach Sean McDermott described the signal-caller's status as an "hour-to-hour situation," which suggests Allen may be trending toward a game-time call in advance of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. With Allen missing practice time due to the elbow injury, Keenum has taken most of the first-team work the past three days and could be pressed into his first extended action for the Bills. Though Keenum has made 64 career regular-season NFL starts, his lone two appearances with Buffalo have thus far come during garbage-time scenarios late in uncompetitive games.
Nov 7, 2022
Could be called upon
Keenum's teammate Josh Allen is reportedly being evaluated for an elbow injury to his ulnar collateral ligament as well as related nerves.
ANALYSIS
Allen dismissed the severity of injury Sunday after the loss to the Jets saying he'd be OK, but he was clearly hurting on the team's final drive and coach Sean McDermott indicated Monday that his star QB would at least need to be further evaluated. Allen missed four games as a rookie with a UCL injury, though for all we know he could be ready to suit up in Week 10 around some limited practice time. Should the worst transpire, however, Keenum would be called to take on starting duties for a team that offers plenty of weapons in the passing game, namely his former Vikings teammate, Stefon Diggs.
Oct 10, 2022
Mops up in garbage time
Keenum completed two of his five pass attempts for eight yards in Sunday's 38-3 win over the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Even though he played just eight snaps after starter Josh Allen was rested for the final 10 minutes of the blowout win, Keenum was still given the opportunity to air it out. Keenum showed a rapport with wideout Isaiah Hodgins -- who drew four of the targets -- but he wasn't able to generate a first down across his three drives. Thanks to a pair of resounding wins over the Titans and Bills, Keenum has already seen action in two games this season, but he's unlikely to receive extended playing time in 2022 unless Allen misses time with an injury, or if Buffalo has the luxury of resting starters Week 18 in advance of the playoffs.
Aug 24, 2022
Significant improvement
Keenum completed 16 of 18 passes for 192 yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions in Saturday's preseason win over Denver, good for a 129.6 rating.
ANALYSIS
This was a major improvement for the veteran free-agent addition, who's performance was disastrous at best in his first outing with the Bills a week prior. This should be enough to squash and talk of third-stringer Matt Barkley overtaking Keenum for the No. 2 job, but with Josh Allen being rested in the preseason finale this week, each of the backups should see plenty of playing time to prove their worth.
Aug 13, 2022
Rough debut for Buffalo
Keenum completed 11 of 18 passes for 86 yards with no TD passes and two interceptions in Buffalo's preseason win over the Colts on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
While those numbers are rough on their own, Keenum also lost a fumble and was sacked six times, and his 33.3 rating paled in comparison to teammate Matt Barkley's 86.1 figure. Keenum was brought in to be the main backup to Josh Allen and it's doubtful the Bills would punt on that plan after just one lousy preseason performance, but Keenum will have to at least show something better over the last two preseason games.
Mar 19, 2022
Sent to Buffalo
Keenum was traded to the Bills for 2022 seventh-round pick, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
This was expected considering Keenum was due to earn $7.1 million next season. The long-time veteran has been a stable backup presence for teams over the years having played in 35 games combined for three separate franchises in the last four seasons. With stalwart franchise icon Josh Allen already set at the quarterback, expect Keenum to be one of the better backups in the league once more.
Mar 5, 2022
Return unlikely
The Browns are expected to trade or release Keenum during the offseason, Jeff Howe and Zac Jackson of The Athletic report.
ANALYSIS
Severing ties to Keenum is one of several expected moves the organization will take to bolster the passing game, including new targets at wideout and tight end. Keenum, who made two starts for the Browns in 2021, is due to earn $7.1 million in 2022, and the team may want to reallocate those dollars.
Jan 9, 2022
Pair of TD tosses in finale
Keenum completed 17 of 24 passes for 176 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the Browns' 21-16 win over the Bengals on Sunday. He also rushed five times for 15 yards and lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Keenum once again did a serviceable job in Baker Mayfield's (shoulder) stead, connecting with Jarvis Landry and Demetric Felton on touchdown passes of 26 and 10 yards, respectively. The veteran is under contract through next season and therefore figures to remain as a trusted veteran No. 2 option behind Mayfield or a possible offseason addition.
Jan 5, 2022
Week 18 starter
Keenum will start Sunday's season finale against the Bengals, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
With Baker Mayfield not available for the contest as he plans to move forward with a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, per ESPN's Jake Trotter, Keenum will draw the starting assignment this weekend. Meanwhile, Nick Mullens is back from the COVID-19 list and on track to be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Cleveland's No. 2 QB versus Cincinnati. Keenum thus represents a fantasy lineup candidate for those scrambling for a Week 18 signal-caller for any reason, as well as a reasonably-priced DFS option.
Jan 4, 2022
Frontrunner for Week 18 start
Keenum is expected to start Sunday's game against the Bengals after head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is scheduled to undergo surgery "as soon as possible" and won't be available for the season finale, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Stefanski didn't officially name a Week 18 starter, Keenum will presumptively receive the nod, considering he's served as the No. 2 signal-caller behind Mayfield all season when both have been available. Kyle Lauletta, meanwhile, is another option at the position, though he's bounced around multiple organizations since entering the league in 2018 and has only had a few weeks to get up to speed with the Cleveland playbook since being signed off Jacksonville's practice squad Dec. 17. Keenum previously filled in as a starter in place of Mayfield on a Thursday night game against the Broncos back in Week 7. The Browns leaned heavily on a D'Ernest Johnson-led ground attack in that contest, but Keenum was competent when his number was called, as he completed 21 of 33 attempts for 199 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland's 17-14 win.
Jan 4, 2022
Could play Week 18
With news that Baker Mayfield will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left non-throwing shoulder and may not play Week 18, per Jake Trotter of ESPN.com, Keenum would be in line to start the final game of the season.
ANALYSIS
Mayfield fought through multiple injuries which contributed to poor play, but he also struggled with accuracy and made poor decisions. It's conceivable the Browns move on from Mayfield, even though the team has plenty of talent to compete in 2022. Whether they head into next season with Keenum as the starting quarterback remains to be seen; they could entertain potential upgrades during the offseason while they remain in a competitive window.
Dec 25, 2021
Suits up Saturday
Keenum (illness) is listed active for Saturday's game against the Packers, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
As is Baker Mayfield, who is slated to start the contest. In that context, Keenum, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, is in line to serve as Cleveland's No. 2 QB on Saturday.
Dec 25, 2021
Clears COVID protocols
Keenum (illness) has cleared COVID protocols and is available for Saturday's game against Green Bay, per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal and Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
ANALYSIS
Keenum was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, but was subsequently listed as questionable by the Browns as he navigated through the league's COVID protocols. His Week 16 status will be finalized upon the release of the team's inactives in advance of Saturday's 4:30 ET kickoff, but Keenum is now poised to back up Baker Mayfield versus Green Bay.
Dec 24, 2021
Officially questionable for Week 16
Keenum (illness), who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, will be listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Packers, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
The designation is only procedural with Keenum being one week removed from testing positive for the virus, but because he's cleared the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocol, he's on track to play Saturday. With Baker Mayfield (illness) also coming off the same list Friday, he's expected to handle his usual starting role, while Keenum backs him up.
Dec 24, 2021
Returns from COVID list
Cleveland reinstated Keenum (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.
ANALYSIS
The Browns also brought back Baker Mayfield (illness), who is in line to start Saturday's game in Green Bay. Keenum should fill his usual role as the backup, after both he and Mayfield missed last week's loss to the Raiders, which allowed Nick Mullens to step in for a spot start.
Dec 20, 2021
Can't gain clearance for Monday
Keenum (illness) has not cleared the league's COVID-19 protocols and will be unavailable for Monday's game against the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum and No. 1 quarterback Baker Mayfield (illness) both remain on the COVID list setting the stage for Nick Mullens to helm a short-handed Browns offense. Kyle Lauletta, whom Cleveland recetly signed off Jacksonville's practice squad, will be relied upon as the No. 2 option behind Mullens. Both Keenum and Mayfield will now work to gain full clearance in time for Saturday's upcoming road matchup in Green Bay.
Dec 17, 2021
Moved to COVID-19 list
The Browns placed Keenum (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.
ANALYSIS
News of Keenum testing positive for the virus first arrived Thursday, but the Browns didn't officially deactivate him until a day later. Because of the Browns' mounting COVID-19 concerns, the NFL officially moved the team's Week 15 game against the Raiders from its originally scheduled date (Saturday). The Browns and Raiders are now scheduled to play Monday at 5 p.m. ET, and the two-day delay coupled with the NFL's newly updated COVID-19 return-to-play protocols could give both Keenum and Baker Mayfield -- who tested positive Wednesday -- a chance to play Week 15. If neither Keenum nor Mayfield is available, the Browns will turn to Nick Mullens to serve as their starting quarterback.
Dec 16, 2021
Headed to COVID list
Keenum has tested positive for COVID-19, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Keenum will join fellow QB Baker Mayfield (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which currently leaves Nick Mullens as the Browns' top available signal caller as Saturday's game against the Raiders approaches.
Dec 16, 2021
Preparing for Saturday start
Keenum is in line to start Saturday's game against the Raiders with Baker Mayfield added to the COVID-19 protocols list, Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Mayfield, who is asymptomatic, per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, can still produce two negative tests before Saturday's game and be part of the lineup, but the Browns are preparing Keenum to start. He filled in for Mayfield earlier this season, directing the team to a 17-10 win over Denver on a Thursday game Oct. 21. While the Browns have been hit hard by a COVID outbreak and several skill players are impacted, Keenum will have one tool that wasn't available to him against the Broncos -- Nick Chubb. Cleveland's offense starts with its running game, and Chubb is one of the best in the NFL.
Dec 13, 2021
Enters for two snaps
Keenum played two snaps and did not attempt a pass in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Keenum entered the contest after a sack of starter Baker Mayfield forced him to the sidelines for evaluation. The backup handed off the ball to D'Earnest Johnson for a couple of plays before the Browns punted. Mayfield was back in the game by the time Cleveland had possession again.
Nov 14, 2021
Plays in blowout loss
Keenum completed 8 of 12 pass attempts for 81 yards against New England on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Keenum stepped in for Baker Mayfield (knee/shoulder) in the third quarter, with the knee detail being the latest development on Mayfield's bill of health. It's believed that Mayfield could have kept playing if the game hadn't been a hopeless blowout, eventually ending 45-7, so Mayfield is expected to start against Detroit in Week 11.
Oct 21, 2021
Solid, mistake-free in spot start
Keenum completed 21 of 33 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in the Browns' 17-14 win over the Broncos on Thursday night. He also rushed four times for seven yards.
ANALYSIS
Logging the spot start for Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Keenum turned in a yeoman's effort, staying away from turnovers and allowing D'Ernest Johnson to carry the bulk of the offense on his shoulders out of the backfield. The veteran also displayed good pocket presence by taking just one sack against an aggressive Denver defense, and he undoubtedly benefited from having both Odell Beckham (shoulder) and Jarvis Landry (knee) active for the contest. Mayfield's myriad of shoulder and rotator cuff issues currently have his return timeline in limbo, so it remains to be seen if Keenum will get the call again in a key Week 8 AFC North home matchup against the Steelers.
Oct 20, 2021
Draws Thursday night start
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Keenum will start Thursday's game against the Broncos in place of Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
Mayfield will presumably be ruled out for the contest while he recovers from a complete tear of the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but the Browns haven't decided on his status beyond Week 7. Nonetheless, Keenum -- who came on in relief for Mayfield in last week's blowout loss to the Cardinals -- will step in under center for his first start since he was a member of Washington in 2019. Keenum has plenty of experience running Stefanski's offensive system from their time together in Minnesota, so the transition from Mayfield to Keenum could prove to be a relatively smooth one.
Oct 17, 2021
Needed in relief Sunday
Keenum completed one of three passes for six yards after replacing Baker Mayfield (shoulder) late in Sunday's 37-14 loss to the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Mayfield was able to play through his shoulder injury and remained in the game until it was well out of hand, so it seems likely he'll be under center for a Week 7 home tilt against the Broncos. If he winds up being shut down, however, Keenum would get the nod against the team he started 16 games for in 2018.
Sep 27, 2021
Mops up win
Keenum played the final series of Sunday's 26-6 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
The Browns took over for the final possession at the Bears' 21-yard line following the ninth sack of Chicago's rookie quarterback, Justin Fields, and let Keenum run out the clock. He handed the ball off twice then took three knees.
Aug 23, 2021
Engineers two long drives
Keenum completed 9-of-12 passes for 74 yards and one touchdown with one interception and two sacks in Sunday's 17-13 win over the Giants in Preseason Week 2.
ANALYSIS
Keenum started once again, as Baker Mayfield remained on the sideline for the second consecutive preseason tilt, and was in the game for three possessions. He engineered an 81-yard scoring drive the first time Cleveland had the ball, delivering a tight-window strike to KhaDarel Hodge for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the seven. He then had the Browns in the red zone on the second drive but threw a nasty end-zone interception. Kyle Lauletta finished out the game from the end of the second quarter.
Aug 15, 2021
Starts preseason opener
Keenum completed 12 of 17 attempts for 115 yards in Saturday's 23-13 win over Jacksonville in preseason Week 1.
ANALYSIS
The Browns held starter Baker Mayfield out, so Keenum naturally stepped in. He played the first three series, engineered two scoring drives (both field goals) and established a rhythm with offensive regulars who were not held out, such as Donovan Peoples-Jones and Rashard Higgins. Keenum appeared in just two games (15 snaps) last season.
Jan 18, 2021
Under contract for 2021
Keenum is expected to return as Cleveland's backup quarterback for 2021.
ANALYSIS
Keenum appeared in one game, serving in relief while starter Baker Mayfield dealt with a rib injury. He signed a three-year deal prior to the 2020 season, which includes guaranteed money for 2021, and the soon-to-be 33-year-old Keenum is a known commodity to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Oct 18, 2020
Enters game in relief
Keenum completed five of 10 pass attempts for 46 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Week 6 against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Keenum entered the game late in the third quarter after Baker Mayfield was pulled due to the aggravation of his rib injury. The game was already well out of reach, meaning he wasn't asked to do much in the closing quarter. More importantly, Keenum could be counted on to start in Week 7 against the Bengals if Mayfield is too injured to suit up. Keenum last suited up for major playing time as the quarterback for Washington in 2019, when he managed a 65 percent completion rate and an 11:5 TD:INT ratio.
Mar 16, 2020
Set to back up Mayfield
Keenum has agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Browns, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum will provide the Browns with an experienced backup behind starting QB Baker Mayfield. Keenum -- who turned 32 in February -- saw action in 10 games for Washington in 2019, including eight starts, throwing for 1,707 yards with 11 TDs and five picks.
Jan 21, 2020
Planning to leave Washington
Keenum doesn't expect to re-sign with Washington, Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington reports.
ANALYSIS
New head coach Ron Rivera did say Dwayne Haskins (ankle) will have to earn the starting job, but that doesn't necessarily mean Rivera views someone like Keenum or Colt McCoy as a viable alternative. For what it's worth, Keenum went out of his way to compliment Haskins, noting that the 22-year-old showed enough improvement late in the season to keep the job heading into 2020. As for his own career prospects, Keenum hopes to find another opportunity to compete for a starting role. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent March 18 at the beginning of the new league year, one month after his 32nd birthday.
Dec 23, 2019
Drawing Week 17 start
Keenum will start at quarterback Sunday against the Cowboys with interim coach Bill Callahan ruling Dwayne Haskins (ankle) out for the Week 17 contest, Nick Shook of NFL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Haskins' rookie season came to the end early in the third quarter of Sunday's 41-35 overtime loss to the Giants, when the first-round pick suffered a left high-ankle sprain. Keenum, who had opened the season as Washington's starter, came on in relief of Haskins for just his second appearance since Week 8, finishing out the loss with 16 completions for 158 yards and a score across 22 attempts to go along with a one-yard touchdown run. Keenum's presence under center shouldn't amount to much of a dropoff, if any, for Washington's pass catchers as the Redskins attempt to score an upset win over the playoff-hopeful Cowboys on the road.
Nov 13, 2019
Out of protocol
Keenum (concussion) isn't listed on the Redskins' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Out of the NFL's protocol for head injuries, Keenum is set to be active for the first time since Week 8. On Sunday against the Jets and beyond, though, he'll serve as the backup to rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins, which likely will hold for the rest of the campaign.
Sep 30, 2019
Tending to foot injury
Coach Jay Gruden said Keenum was pulled early in Sunday's 24-3 loss to the Giants because the quarterback was tending to a foot injury, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gruden didn't provide much of an update on Keenum's situation when he met with the media Monday, noting that the veteran would continue to be evaluated ahead of the Week 5 matchup with the Patriots, per Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic. Though the coach noted a day earlier that the injury may have contributed to the poor accuracy Keenum showed on his throws, the signal-caller entered the contest with little job security after committing five turnovers in the Week 3 loss to the Bears. Keenum's injury coupled with his poor performance in back-to-back games leaves Washington's quarterback situation truly in flux heading into the home date with New England. Gruden has already indicated that Keenum, rookie Dwayne Haskins and a healthy Colt McCoy are all under consideration for the Week 5 starting nod.
Sep 25, 2019
Nursing foot injury
Keenum is listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's estimated practice due to a foot injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Keenum is expected to be healthy for Week 4 but is currently wearing a walking boot, according to Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post. The 31-year-old quarterback is coming off a rough 31-15 loss to the Bears in which he accounted for five turnovers - three interceptions and three fumbles, two of which he lost - as Washington's record dropped to 0-3. Coach Jay Gruden said earlier in the week that Keenum remains the team's starting quarterback, according to Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington, but if the veteran signal-caller is hampered by injury or logs another poor performance he could face pressure from Colt McCoy and rookie first-round pick Dwayne Haskins.