Make New York Post a Preferred Source The Cardinals’ quarterback shuffle is now landing on a rookie.
Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed on Wednesday that Carson Beck will get the nod under center for his first regular-season start.
Jacoby Brissett started the season at quarterback before he was benched and traded to the Ravens before Gardner Minshew II stepped in, only to suffer what is reportedly a season-ending ulnar collateral ligament injury in Week 9.
Arizona quarterback Carson Beck warms up before the Cardinals’ win over the Rams on Oct. 18, 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect That now gives Beck, a product of Miami and Georgia, a chance to get his first NFL action.
“You never really know until you get to the live bullets on Sunday,” LaFleur told reporters of Beck. “But just the way he goes about his business, whether it’s been from OTAs through training camp before he got hurt, obviously, seeing him operate there in that first half plus the one possession in the second half [during the Hall of Fame Game].
“So, obviously we’ll know more come Sunday, but have all the confidence he’s ready to roll.”
Beck, in his sixth college season, led the ACC with a 72.4 percent completion rate with 30 touchdowns against 12 interceptions as Miami made it all the way to the College Football Playoff national championship game before losing to Indiana.
Despite a strong final college season, he fell to the third round of the draft. That came after a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer that Beck was considered by some NFL teams a “bit of a loner.” One NFC coordinator told Breer that “He’s talented enough, smooth, on time, sees it well, he’s smart — probably the smartest kid in the class. But the personality is tough. I wouldn’t touch him.”
Arizona quarterback Carson Beck warms up before the Cardinals’ loss to the Seahawks on Nov. 8, 2026 in Seattle. AP Photo/Kevin Ng Beck’s first action in the preseason was nearly perfect, as he threw for 188 yards and a touchdown while completing 15 of 19 attempts.
LaFleur has been impressed with Beck’s work ethic with Arizona, and the effort he’s put in to become game-ready.
“He’s been a pro since he’s been here,” LaFleur said. “He puts in the exact amount of work that he needs. And then from a physical standpoint, he’ll obviously get 100 percent of the reps.”
