Why the Browns signed Case Keenum for this very moment – Cleveland Browns Blog

BEREA, Ohio — After trying to gut his way through Tuesday’s practice, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield woke up Wednesday morning realizing the inevitable.

Due to the torn labrum in his left shoulder, Mayfield physically won’t be able to play Thursday night against the Denver Broncos (8:20 p.m. ET, Fox/NFL Network).

And so, the Cleveland Browns are turning to journeyman backup Case Keenum, whom they signed last year for this very moment.

Yes, the Browns believed Keenum would serve as a terrific mentor for Mayfield. And to be sure, he has to this point. But Cleveland didn’t hand Keenum $10 million guaranteed in a three-year deal merely to be a sounding board. The Browns, general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski included, believed Keenum, when called upon, could win a game or two in a pinch. And with Cleveland’s season of playoff expectations already teetering after consecutive losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals, that’s exactly what Keenum will be asked to do Thursday.

“I feel very ready. I have been ready,” Keenum said Wednesday after being announced as the starter. “You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready, and I’ve been ready since I got here.

“I’m excited. I’m ready.”

Indeed, Keenum has forged his career on always being prepared to play. And that was the case in Minnesota four years ago.

Then, Stefanski was the Vikings quarterbacks coach when another former Heisman…