The Arizona Cardinals have decided to go with rookie quarterback Carson Beck after Gardner Minshew went down with a season-ending injury, giving the newcomer his first NFL start in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 3-6 Cardinals will encounter a tough test, as Beck’s debut comes against a defensive duo featuring Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett. This assignment also puts him in a rare group of rookie quarterbacks to get a starting chance this season.
Carson Beck takes over as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback
Beck will become the third rookie quarterback selected outside the first two rounds to start an NFL game in the 2026 season. The other two, Jalon Daniels of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens, joined the league as undrafted players. The last time three quarterbacks matching that description started games in the same season was 1987.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur voiced confidence in the rookie, citing his performances during organized team activities, training camp, and the chances he got before getting injured.
“You never really know until you get to the live bullets on Sunday, but just the way he goes about his business,” LaFleur said, explaining why he thinks Beck is ready for the responsibility.
The coach also pointed to the quarterback’s limited playing time after returning to action, including one possession in the second half. While the real evaluation will come when Beck takes the field against the Rams, LaFleur made it clear that the organization believes he is ready.
NFL debut presents Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett challenge
Beck’s first professional start will hardly be a soft landing. The rookie is set to face the Rams’ pass-rushing pair of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, with both defenders having recorded more than 100 career sacks.
That makes Beck only the fifth quarterback to make his first career start against a pairing in which both opposing pass rushers have reached the 100-sack mark.
The challenge is significant, but LaFleur is not planning to put extra pressure on his young quarterback. Instead, he wants Beck to focus on executing one play at a time and enjoy the opportunity.
“Go let it rip; go have some fun. Have some fun with your guys,” LaFleur said, outlining his message to the rookie.
Beck has already shown encouraging signs in preseason action. During the 2026 Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers, he completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown.
Cardinals face problems with depleted receiving corps
The quarterback change comes at a difficult time for Arizona’s offense, particularly because several important receiving options will be unavailable.
Michael Wilson, who is dealing with a neck injury, and Kendrick Bourne, who suffered a tibia injury, are both out for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been traded to the Houston Texans, leaving the Cardinals with a considerably different group of targets.
Fifth-round rookie Reggie Virgil, undrafted veteran Simi Fehoko, and Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Duvernay are projected to occupy the starting positions among the receivers.
Trey McBride offers Carson Beck a reliable target
One major advantage for Beck is the presence of tight end Trey McBride, who remains available despite the problems elsewhere in Arizona’s receiving corps.
McBride, a 2025 first-team All-Pro selection, has been one of the NFL’s most productive pass-catchers this season. He leads the league with 73 receptions through Week 9 and has recorded at least seven catches in 11 consecutive games.
Beck also has previous experience playing alongside an elite tight end. During his time at Georgia, he worked with Brock Bowers, giving him some familiarity with building an offensive connection around a prominent target.
With his first NFL start approaching, McBride could become an important part of Beck’s introduction to professional football, particularly against a Rams defense featuring two established pass-rushing threats.