The Arizona Cardinals have named Carson Beck their starting quarterback for the Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, thrusting the rookie into a high-stakes debut.
Beck, who began the 2026 season as an emergency third-stringer, will face a daunting test in his first career start, as he is set to line up against the Rams’ defensive duo of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, both of whom have recorded over 100 career sacks.
The decision makes Beck the third rookie quarterback drafted outside of the first two rounds to start a game this season, joining undrafted rookies Jalon Daniels of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens. According to CBS Sports, this marks a statistical milestone that has not occurred since 1987.
“Obviously, having gone from the emergency quarterback at the beginning of the season to last week being the backup to now being the starter, it’s been a crazy season,” Beck said.
“It’s really been a welcome to the NFL season, just getting introduced to what the league is and what it can be, but I’m super excited for the opportunity and to have the chance to go play with these guys,” Beck said.
Beck’s rise to the starting role follows a series of roster changes. Jacoby Brissett opened the season as the starter before being benched and eventually traded to the Baltimore Ravens. Gardner Minshew then took over the position, but a subsequent injury has paved the way for Beck to lead the team. Throughout the season, Beck has observed his predecessors to prepare for this moment.
“I think the biggest thing is just watching those two and how they carry themselves and how they handle themselves not only in the meeting room around the coaches, but during the walkthrough, during practice, and during the game,” Beck said.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur expressed support for the rookie despite the difficult circumstances of his debut. “You never really know until you get to the live bullets on Sunday, but just the way he goes about his business, whether it’s been from OTAs through training camp before he got hurt, seeing him operate in that first half,” Mike LaFleur said.
“Plus, the one possession there in the second half, so obviously we’ll know more come next Sunday, but we have all the confidence he’s ready to roll,” Mike LaFleur said.
Beck will lead an offense facing several player injuries and absences. Wide receivers Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne are out for the season, and Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded to the Houston Texans. The rookie will rely on a receiving corps featuring Reggie Virgil, Simi Fehoko, and Devin Duvernay.
“Who do they got?” Mike LaFleur said jokingly.
“I got no expectations for him except to go out and play his game one play at a time. Go let it rip, go have some fun. Have some fun with your guys,” Mike LaFleur said.
