Rams’ Jeff Fisher is staying the course, sticking with Case Keenum at QB

He is in the final year of his contract and has yet to receive a proclamation from the Rams that he will be back after this season.

And while fans have loudly chanted for Coach Jeff Fisher to replace quarterback Case Keenum with No. 1 pick Jared Goff, none seem to be calling for the Rams to extend Fisher, who oversees a team that is 3-5 at midseason and stuck in a four-game losing streak.

Asked Monday if he was uncomfortable with his status, Fisher did not hesitate to respond.

“I’m not uncomfortable at all,” he said during a news conference at Cal Lutheran.

Fisher is 30-41-1 in four-plus seasons with the Rams. No NFL coach with a losing record in his first four years with a franchise kept his job through a fifth.

Fisher allowed that he “didn’t expect to be 3 and whatever we are, OK, but I’m not uncomfortable at all.”

Fisher added that “I never look over my shoulder” and that he and owner Stan Kroenke were “on the same page” regarding the team.

“He understands what we’ve been through,” Fisher said. “He’s as disappointed as I am at the losses … and he understands that we’re competitive and we’re doing everything we possibly can to get this turned around.”

Fisher might be comfortable with his situation, but he is not yet comfortable enough to play Goff.

He continued to say that “Jared’s improving,” but reiterated that Keenum would start on Sunday against a New York Jets team that is 3-6 and features the NFL’s 13th-ranked defense.

“Case right now, especially against this defense, gives us our best chance,” he said.

So when will Goff be ready? Or, perhaps more important, when will Fisher be ready to play him?

Fisher said there was a moment in Sunday’s 13-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers when he told Goff to get ready.

Keenum, he said, suffered an injury to his left hand and there was some question whether it was a bruise or a fracture.

“I said, ‘Jared, get warmed up, get ready,’” Fisher said. “He goes, ‘Coach, I’m ready.’

“I said, ‘I know you are, let’s see where Case’s forearm is and we’ll go from there.’”

Keenum remained in the game and the Rams fell short once again.

“Whether it’s the following week or the following week or what have you, it’s eventually going to happen,” Fisher said of the timetable for Goff. “Big picture, as I keep saying, this is about making sure that he’s ready to go out there and be sharp and give us a chance to win.”

Fisher then addressed a prepared list, naming nine quarterbacks such as Super Bowl winners Drew Brees, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers, who are playing for teams currently under .500. Fisher was attempting to demonstrate “how hard it is to play the quarterback position” in the NFL.

“We’re taking our time, we’re being patient,” Fisher said, “and when we feel it’s the right time, he’ll be under center.”

Asked if Keenum would have to be injured, or if the Rams would have to be out of playoff contention for Goff to play, Fisher said, “Our expectation is we’ll stay in it, so we’ll see.

“I’m not ruling out the possibility that he’ll make a playoff run for us as well, but right now Case is starting and we’re going to New York.”

The Rams have not made the playoffs since 2004. They have eight games left to turn around their season and try to end the drought.

“As we told them,” Fisher said of his meeting with players, “we need to flip the switch.”

The Rams continue to search for a way to get the running game going.

Running back Todd Gurley, who rushed for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie, has gained only 451 yards in eight games.

After carrying the ball only 12 times against the Panthers, Gurley said that “everybody wants the ball in their hands. But it’s a team game.”

On Monday, Fisher said Gurley’s “touches and his numbers need to increase significantly. That’s what we discussed, and what we’re working on right now offensively.”

Quick hits

The Rams were called for 10 penalties for 109 yards. “Yeah, statistically, we had 10,” Fisher said. “I would acknowledge maybe six of them.”… Cornerback Trumaine Johnson anticipated an early test — and he got it. On the Panthers’ first play, quarterback Cam Newton went right after Johnson, who was playing for the first time since sitting out two-plus games because of an ankle injury. “I expected it — why wouldn’t he?” said Johnson, who provided tight coverage on an incomplete pass to receiver Devin Funchess. “You’ve got to go after the injured corner. “ Johnson’s return helped solidify a defense that gave up only one touchdown.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATimesklein