The Arizona Cardinals have officially named rookie quarterback Carson Beck as their starting signal-caller for Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, following the team’s latest quarterback carousel.
Beck’s promotion comes after two weeks of turnover at the position. Veteran Gardner Minshew II suffered a season-ending torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his Week 9 start against the Seattle Seahawks, prompting the Cardinals to place him on injured reserve. The team had previously traded veteran Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens after benching him in favor of Minshew during a Week 8 overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys. Beck, selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, will make his first career NFL start under center.
Head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Beck’s role in a Wednesday press conference, stating that the rookie will operate the offense without predetermined expectations beyond taking the game one play at a time. LaFleur emphasized Beck’s maturity and preparation, noting the quarterback’s collegiate development at Georgia and Miami as key factors in his readiness. Beck’s first full week of practice as the starter begins immediately, with LaFleur expressing anticipation for his performance.
Beck’s first NFL start presents significant challenges. The Rams feature a formidable pass rush led by defensive tackles Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, while the Cardinals’ receiving corps is depleted—Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne, and Jalen Brooks are all on injured reserve. Tight end Trey McBride is expected to be the team’s primary pass-catching option in Beck’s debut.
Beck’s path to the starting role has been unconventional. Originally the Cardinals’ third-string quarterback, he ascended to the backup role after Brissett’s trade and Minshew’s injury. Prior to the NFL, Beck spent five seasons at Georgia before transferring to Miami for his final collegiate year, where he led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In 2025, he completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 16 games, ranking first in the ACC in completion percentage.
The Cardinals enter Week 10 with a 3-6 record, and Beck’s first start marks the beginning of a difficult stretch. Arizona’s schedule includes a Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, adding further pressure to the rookie’s inaugural NFL appearance.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.