Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur announced that Gardner Minshew is out for the season due to an ulnar ligament injury and will undergo surgery. Carson Beck will take over as the starting quarterback.
Initially the No. 3 quarterback, Beck moved up the ranks after the Cardinals traded Jacoby Brissett. He became Minshew’s backup in Week 9, and now he will start against the Los Angeles Rams.
Beck, drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has been praised by LaFleur for his professionalism and maturity, attributing his readiness to the cultures at Georgia and Miami, where Beck played college football.
During the preseason, Beck’s performance in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers stood out. Despite limited play due to a rib injury, he completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards, with one touchdown.
The 24-year-old quarterback spent six years in college. He played five years at Georgia before transferring to Miami, where he led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In that season, he achieved an ACC-leading 72.4% completion rate, with 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over 16 games.
Beck’s first regular-season NFL start will take place against the Rams, scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. His entry marks a significant transition for the Cardinals as they adjust to his leadership.
Connor Hellebuyck’s Return to Winnipeg Sparks Debate 
Support Emerges for Giants’ Nabers Amid Criticism 
U.S. Soccer Withdraws from U-17 FIFA World Cup Due to Security Concerns 
Kirk Cousins Returns as Vikings Quarterback 
Jacob Misiorowski and Cam Schlittler Awarded Cy Young Honors 
White Sox GM Discusses Offseason Strategy Amid Looming Lockout