Former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is set to make his first career NFL start this Sunday, stepping into the Arizona Cardinals’ starting role as the team faces the Los Angeles Rams. The pivotal change comes after former starter Gardner Minshew II suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in a 17-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Beck, who was selected by Arizona with the 65th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will take the field at 4:05 p.m. ET, marking a significant milestone in his transition from college stardom to professional football.
With Minshew out for the season, the former Georgia QB takes over the reins against the Rams.
The path to Beck’s debut required a turbulent quarterback carousel for the Cardinals, who began the campaign with veteran Jacoby Brissett. Brissett’s tenure ended abruptly after a 2-5 start, culminating in a mid-game substitution against the Dallas Cowboys when Arizona trailed 24-10. Minshew II entered that contest and orchestrated a 33-30 comeback victory, throwing three touchdown passes to secure the win. However, his subsequent injury against Seattle forced the front office to pivot, leaving Beck as the primary option. To solidify the depth chart, the Cardinals signed Josh Johnson off the waiver wire and retained Joey Aguilar as a third-string safety net for the rest of the season.
Beck’s first taste of NFL action came in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers, providing a crucial proving ground before the regular season pressure mounts. As the Cardinals look to stabilize their offense, Beck’s familiarity with the system and his proven ability to manage high-pressure situations from his time in Athens will be critical. With the Rams presenting a formidable defensive challenge, this debut will serve as a definitive test of Beck’s readiness to anchor the Arizona offense for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
Source: Yahoo Sports
