Jared Goff takes snaps with Rams’ first team but Case Keenum is still the starter

Jared Goff took a moment before the first play call and slapped hands or bumped fists with teammates in the huddle.

The rookie quarterback was about to start perhaps his most important practice since the Rams selected him No. 1 in the NFL draft.

With the Rams in a bye week, Coach Jeff Fisher on Wednesday had starter Case Keenum step aside and gave Goff a developmental opportunity. The former University of California standout took the majority of first-team snaps for the first time.

It was a chance to show how far he has progressed since training camp — and demonstrate his readiness to play.

Goff did not make any long throws, but he smoothly handled every short and midrange route.

“I feel tremendously more comfortable than I’ve ever felt,” Goff said afterward. “I feel confident that if my number’s called, I’ll be ready to go. Just waiting for that time.”

It is not expected to come anytime soon.

Fisher has said that Keenum remains the starter despite the Rams’ 3-4 record, three-game losing streak and the four Keenum passes that were intercepted in Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants in London.

The Rams don’t play again until Nov. 6, against the Carolina Panthers at the Coliseum.

So Fisher gave Goff an opportunity to work exclusively with the first-team offense.

“Jared looked like Jared,” receiver Tavon Austin said. “It’s just about how comfortable he feels and how he goes from there.”

Said Fisher: “He handled everything really well.”

Second-year pro Sean Mannion, No. 3 on the depth chart, also performed efficiently while taking first-team reps.

But the focus is on Goff, who struggled during exhibition games and has not played a snap during the regular season while other rookie quarterbacks are flourishing.

With the Rams under .500 and showing no real signs that they might finish significantly better than last season’s 7-9 record, the bye week would appear a natural time to groom the top pick for a possible starting role.

Asked to describe his frustration level over not playing, Goff demonstrated a knack for avoiding trouble.

“It’s part of the process part of what’s going on,” he said. “I’m not going to sit here and complain or gripe.

“I’m going to support Case and continue to get ready and be ready and continue to be confident in myself and be ready when the time comes.”

Goff was inactive for the season opener but has been the No. 2 quarterback for the last six games. Asked whether the Rams would anything scheme-wise if Goff were to start, Fisher said no.

“We wouldn’t scale anything back, we wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “He’s got that good of a feel for what we’re doing.”

Goff, of course, has not even played as backup. But he said he would be prepared if he was the starter and is capable of leading the team.

“I’m confident in myself and confident in what I can do,” he said. “And feel like if my number gets called I’ll be ready.

“But it’s not up to me to decide when that time is. That’s what Coach Fisher and all the coaches get paid for is to make those decisions.”

Wednesday’s workout was the Rams’ last before a four-day break. They will return to Cal Lutheran on Monday.

Fisher said the coaching staff spent the last few days evaluating every player on the roster to determine what must improve as the Rams prepare for the final nine games.

“We have to get the run game going,” he said, “and it all really starts there.”

The Rams must reduce penalties and also shut down or hold opponents to field goals when they penetrate inside the 20-yard line, Fisher said.

Several players are expected to return from injuries after the bye, including defensive tackle Michael Brockers and possibly cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Fisher cited a physically sound roster as reason for optimism.

“You just kind of wonder at some point, this thing is going to get turned around,” he said. “That’s where we are right now, is holding on to hope that the health of this football team, and the experience is going to get it turned around.”

Quick hits

On a day when many younger players got increased opportunities, receiver Paul McRoberts stood out. The practice squad player made several impressive catches. … Some players will stay in Southern California during the break, but many planned to travel out of state to see family or friends. Fisher’s message: “It’s OK to enjoy yourself and have fun. Don’t shut the system down, though, because we’re going to come back and work. Make sure they take care of themselves and be smart, all of those things associated with it. I don’t want any early-morning phone calls, those kind of things. But they know that, they’re pros, they understand.”