What to watch for during the Rams’ preseason game against the Chiefs

QUARTERBACK ROTATION: Case Keenum is rolling along as the starter. He completed all but one of his seven passes last week against the Cowboys, and would have been perfect if not for a drop. Keenum will play a few series and then give way to top-pick Jared Goff, who is expected to take a series or two with the starters and then play into the third quarter. Goff’s debut last week was cut short because of shoulder soreness, the result of a hit by a blitzing linebacker on a pass that was intercepted. Goff was on the field for only 13 plays. So it’s an important opportunity for Goff — and the Rams — as he pushes to become the starter for the season opener. Sean Mannion starred against the Cowboys with three-second-half touchdown passes, but he probably won’t get as many snaps against the Chiefs.

OFFENSE: Star running back Todd Gurley has never played in an exhibition game, so this will be a first. It makes sense if the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year last season can stay out of harm’s way. Keep your eyes peeled because he won’t be out there long. The receiver corps remains a major question mark, especially after multiple drops against the Cowboys. Nelson Spruce, who caught a team-best six passes, is sidelined because of a knee sprain. Rookie tight end Tyler Higbee did not practice for two days, so this might be an opportunity for fellow rookie tight end Temarrick Hemingway to show what he can do. The Chiefs feature an aggressive defense that will test left tackle Greg Robinson. The third-year pro is coming off last week’s performance, which Fisher said was his best in three seasons of exhibitions.

DEFENSE: The Rams were plagued by early misalignments, they struggled against the run in the first half and defensive backs got burned for touchdowns against the Cowboys. But they gave up zero second-half points and worked to address those issues during practice. With his first game as middle linebacker behind him, Alec Ogletree should play with more confidence. End Robert Quinn (back surgery last year) will sit out again after returning from the Olympics, where he watched his sister compete in the 100-meter hurdles. Weak-side linebacker Mark Barron did not practice most of the week. Cornerback E.J. Gaines (foot surgery last year) was looking forward to playing for the first time in more than a year, but he took a hard fall near the end of practice Thursday. It remains to be seen whether he will play as the Rams search for a solid starter opposite Trumaine Johnson.

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ODDS AND ENDS: Fans should be sure to be in their seats before kickoff, or they might miss some excitement. Last week the Rams gave up a game-opening return for a touchdown against the Cowboys. This is the Rams’ final exhibition at the Coliseum so it might be wise to give kicker Greg Zuerlein an opportunity or two for field-goal attempts. The Rams will not return to the stadium until the Week 2 home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Former Rams quarterback Nick Foles is expected to play for the Chiefs in the second half….The game at the Coliseum marks the return of former Crenshaw High star De’Anthony Thomas. Last week, the Chief caught three passes and returned a kickoff and punt against the Seahawks.

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