Gardner Minshew II will undergo season-ending elbow surgery after injuring his ulnar collateral ligament during the Arizona Cardinals’ Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Adam Schefter reported on Sunday.
The procedure halts the eighth-year veteran’s campaign with Arizona. It also marks another physical hurdle for a journeyman signal-caller who logged a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025 following earlier stops across the league.
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL): A critical band of tissue on the inner elbow that stabilizes the joint against the severe stress of throwing motions.
- Surgical Reconstruction: Often referred to as Tommy John surgery in baseball, this intervention replaces the torn ligament with a tissue graft to restore joint stability.
- Rehabilitation Timeline: Recovery from major elbow reconstruction typically spans several months, heavily prioritizing physical therapy before load-bearing athletic activities resume.
Minshew sustained the ulnar collateral ligament damage during a tough divisional matchup against Seattle, forcing a premature end to his playing time for the 2026 season. Schefter detailed the upcoming procedure via social media, confirming that the veteran quarterback faces a lengthy recovery period.
Medical teams routinely evaluate UCL tears based on the degree of joint laxity and functional impairment. For a professional quarterback, absolute stability in the throwing arm is non-negotiable for velocity and accuracy.
| Career Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Starts | 48 starts |
| Teams Played For | Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals |
Originally selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Minshew has carved out a resilient career as a dependable backup. Over eight seasons, he has accumulated 48 starts across multiple franchises.
Analysts anticipate that franchises seeking an experienced, veteran backup will view the former Washington State Cougars standout as a viable option for the following season.
Delaying diagnosis of severe ligamentous damage can lead to chronic joint degeneration or progressive nerve impingement, particularly affecting the ulnar nerve adjacent to the injury site.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Elbow.
