QB Case Keenum set to take over for Rams today against Baltimore

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Case Keenum's volume of work during his 10-game NFL career is anything but impressive: 11 touchdown passes, eight interceptions and seven fumbles.

He's done enough, however, to make an impression on the Ravens.

After beating Baltimore last year as a member of the Houston Texans, Keenum will be seeking an encore today in his first start with the St. Louis Rams (4-5).

"We've seen that guy before," Ravens defensive end Chris Canty said. "Didn't have too much success the last time out."

Keenum's numbers in that game were downright mediocre -- 20 for 42, 185 yards and an interception. Houston's only touchdown pass was thrown by running back Arian Foster, but the Texans rolled to a 25-13 victory.

St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher can only hope for a similar result Sunday after benching struggling quarterback Nick Foles.

"We need a spark," Fisher said. "I'm not going to put Case on a short leash, but at some point, I expect Nick to be under center for us again."

Keenum hopes to stick around long enough to lift the Rams into the playoff picture.

"I definitely count it as a blessing, and to get a second chance to come out and compete is incredible," he said.

These Ravens (2-7) are nothing like the ones Keenum last faced. Despite that road loss to Houston in December, Baltimore went 10-6 and won a game in the playoffs.

This squad is simply trying to keep from sinking into last place after losing seven games by a combined 32 points.

Some things to know about the Rams-Ravens matchup:

Center of attention

The Ravens put center Jeremy Zuttah on injured reserve Wednesday with a torn pectoral muscle, so second-year pro John Urschel will make his first career start in the middle of the line.

Though usually a guard, Urschel is ready to give it a go.

"I feel well prepared," he said. "I started a game at center in the preseason; I played well. I've been practicing it ever since I got drafted here."

He will be going up against defensive front that leads the NFC with 29 sacks.

Austin returns

This is a homecoming of sorts for Tavon Austin, who played high school ball in Baltimore.

"For the most part, it's going to feel good," he said. "It's about playing in front of my family more than anything. I won't let it get to me too much. At the end of the day, I have a job to get done."

Austin is tied for third in the NFL with seven touchdowns. He's scored four TD on catches, two on runs and another on a punt return. He leads the Rams with 30 receptions and also has gained 225 yards on 28 carries.

"This guy is a playmaker in every way," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Former Ram

Traded by the Rams to Baltimore last month, wide receiver Chris Givens will be the Ravens' primary deep threat against his former team.

Givens led the Rams with 698 yards receiving in 2012, but this season he had one catch in three games with St. Louis before being dealt to a team that desperately needed help at the position.

"I was not, in any way, disappointed with his progress," Fisher said. "It was just a good deal for both teams. There was a need there, and we had a surplus. I feel like anytime you get a surplus and you've got guys that can play, then (you should) give them a chance to play someplace else."

Gurley factor

Rams running back Todd Gurley averaged an NFL-leading 144 yards rushing in October but has been held under 100 yards in each of the last two games. Last week, because the Rams fell behind early, he got only 12 carries for 45 yards.

Perhaps the change to Keenum will help.

"We haven't been executing the past couple weeks, and it's kind of shown," Gurley said.

O-line juggling

The Rams entered the season with one of the most inexperienced offensive lines in the NFL, but only two starters remain from the projected five: left tackle Greg Robinson and center Tim Barnes.

Rookie guard Jamon Brown (broken leg) and backup Darryl Williams (wrist) sustained season-ending injuries on the same play, pursuing the ball carrier after a late interception last week. Rookie tackle Rob Havenstein (Achilles) may be out this week, too.

Fortunately, one Keenum's main attributes is mobility.

"We made some minor adjustments in the plan just because there's some things that he sees a little bit differently than Nick," Fisher said. "Hopefully, it translates into first downs."