Cardinals Rookie Carson Beck Named Starter Against Rams

Rookie quarterback Carson Beck will take his first regular-season snap this Sunday, stepping into a starting role for the Arizona Cardinals against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium.

The decision follows a chaotic period for the Arizona quarterback room, which has functioned as a revolving door over the last two weeks. According to Arizona Sports, the team’s depth has been hollowed out by a series of trades and injuries, forcing the rookie into a position of immediate responsibility.

The transition began on Nov. 1 when Jacoby Brissett was benched in Dallas, leading to his trade to the Baltimore Ravens the following week. Gardner Minshew took over the starting duties but suffered an elbow injury last Sunday in Seattle. While he attempted to play through the pain for a half, Arizona Sports reported that the team placed Minshew on injured reserve on Tuesday, effectively ending his season.

Cardinals officially named rookie QB Carson Beck their starter for Sunday’s game vs. the Rams. pic.twitter.com/AvRfj4ISvo

— Post by @AdamSchefter on X

“You never really know until you get to the live bullets on Sunday,” said Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals head coach, according to Arizona Sports.

“But just the way he goes about his business, whether it’s been from OTAs through training camp before he got hurt… We’ll know more come Sunday, but I have all the confidence that he’s ready to roll,” LaFleur said.

A daunting debut for the rookie

Beck is not just stepping into a game; he is stepping into a defensive storm. CBS Sports noted that Beck will become only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to make a career start facing a defensive duo that includes two players with 100-plus career sacks, specifically Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett of the Rams.

The rookie’s path to the starting lineup has been interrupted by his own physical setbacks. While he showed significant promise during the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6—completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, as Burn City Sports reported—a rib injury sidelined him for the remainder of the preseason.

The talent deficit surrounding Beck is substantial. The Cardinals are currently navigating a wave of season-ending injuries to their receiving corps, including Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne, and Jalen Brooks. Additionally, running back Jeremiyah Love is on injured reserve, and center Hjalte Froholdt is currently in concussion protocol, Arizona Sports reported.

Carson Beck Officially Named Arizona Cardinals NEW Starting Quarterback Ahead Of LA Rams Rematch — PHNX Sports

To stabilize the roster, the Cardinals signed quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Joey Aguilar to the active roster on Tuesday, Arizona Sports reported.

Statistical context of the 2026 season

Beck enters this matchup as part of a broader trend of unheralded rookie quarterbacks finding themselves in starting roles this year. CBS Sports highlighted that Beck is the third rookie drafted outside of the first two rounds to start a game in 2026, following undrafted rookies Jalon Daniels of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens. This marks the first time such a trend has occurred since 1987.

Cardinals Rookie Carson Beck Named Starter Against Rams — Photo: cbssports.com

Player	Team	Draft Status
Carson Beck	Arizona Cardinals	3rd Round (No. 65)
Jalon Daniels	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Undrafted
Joe Fagnano	Baltimore Ravens	Undrafted

The offensive outlook in Arizona

Despite the injuries, Beck will have one primary reliable target in 2025 first-team All-Pro tight end Trey McBride. CBS Sports reported that McBride leads the NFL with 73 catches through Week 9 and has recorded 11 consecutive games with at least seven receptions.

Beck’s familiarity with elite tight end play may prove useful, given his collegiate experience at Georgia alongside Brock Bowers. The rookie’s efficiency in college was notable; he finished his tenure at Miami with a 72.4% completion rate, throwing 30 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.

The coaching staff seems focused on minimizing the pressure of the moment. Arizona Sports reported that LaFleur has offered the rookie simple instructions to navigate the upcoming matchup.

Carson Beck Reacts to Being Arizona Cardinals QB1 — Arizona Cardinals on SI

“I’ve got no expectations for him except to just go out and play his game,” LaFleur said. “Go let it rip. Have some fun. Have some fun with your guys.”

The game is scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium.