Minshew Out for the Season, Rookie Carson Beck Named Cardinals' Starting Quarterback

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has announced that Gardner Minshew II will not play again this season. He has an ulnar ligament injury and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.

Rookie Carson Beck will take over as the Cardinals' starting quarterback in Minshew's place. After LaFleur's announcement, Beck is now the team's No. 1 quarterback.

Beck had been the team's No. 3 quarterback. After the Cardinals traded Jacoby Brissett last week, he became Minshew's backup and served in that role in Week 9.

Beck's first NFL regular-season start will come on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The game is scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m. ET.

LaFleur said Beck has been a pro since he was drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and was mature when the Cardinals drafted him, crediting the cultures at Georgia and Miami for his development.

Beck's first reps as the No. 1 quarterback with the rest of the starters will come this week. LaFleur said he is looking forward to seeing Beck operate the offense.

Beck saw limited preseason action due to a rib injury. But he impressed in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers in August, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards with one touchdown.

The 24-year-old Beck spent six years playing college football — five at Georgia and his final season at Miami. He did not take over as the full-time starter until his junior season at Georgia and transferred to Miami after regressing during his senior season.

Last season at Miami, Beck led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In 16 games, he completed 72.4% of his passes, which led the ACC, for 3,813 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.