What to expect from the Rams in preseason opener against the Cowboys

What to watch for in the Rams’ preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys:

QUARTERBACK ROTATION: Case Keenum will start and is expected to play two or three series before No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff makes his pro debut. The Rams were 3-2 in regular-season games Keenum started last season. He has been efficient in training camp and, perhaps even more impressively, has handled all of the questions about Goff with candor and humor. Goff played in the Coliseum against USC in 2014. Don’t expect offensive coordinator Rob Boras to give either quarterback too much of what you’ll see in the regular season. Second-year pro Sean Mannion will play late in the game. Dylan Thompson also is on the roster.

OFFENSE: Running back Todd Gurley was the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year last season after not participating in exhibition games while recovering from knee surgery. So it would not be a surprise if the Rams severely limit his snaps or hold him out completely. Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt are the starters for a receiving corps that features strong competition for roster spots. Look for rookie Pharoh Cooper and rookie tight end Tyler Higbee to get multiple opportunities. Left tackle Greg Robinson’s development will be a topic of interest throughout the exhibition schedule.

DEFENSE: Alec Ogletree makes his debut at middle linebacker and gets his first opportunity to show the Rams did not err by releasing veteran James Laurinaitis. Tackle Aaron Donald leads a line regarded as the unit’s strength. Quinton Coples and Dominique Easley were free-agent acquisitions signed to add depth. Cornerbacks Lamarcus Joyner, E.J. Gaines and Coty Sensabaugh are competing to start opposite Trumaine Johnson. Maurice Alexander is making a run to start at safety.

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Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry tell you what to watch for in the Rams preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum.

ODDS AND ENDS: Kicker Greg Zuerlein struggled last season and now he’s kicking outside the controlled conditions of a domed stadium. He converted a 64-yard field-goal attempt last week during a practice at the Coliseum. Punter Johnny Hekker is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Linebacker Josh Forrest, the only defensive player among the Rams’ 2016 draft picks, is among those trying to find a spot on special teams. This is the first game with the Rams for assistants Mike Groh (receivers and passing game coordinator), Skip Peete (running backs) and John Lilly (tight ends).