Carson Beck Named Cardinals’ Starter for Rams Game

LaFleur confirmed on November 11 that Beck, a third-round rookie, will start against the Rams on Sunday. Minshew sustained a season-ending UCL injury on November 8, leaving Arizona to turn to Beck earlier than planned.

The Cardinals are 3-6, and the team’s second-half games will give its front office a chance to evaluate Beck before the 2027 offseason. Arizona could pursue a quarterback then. Beck’s college experience at Georgia and Miami, including leading both programs to national championship appearances, helped make him an appealing late second-day draft pick.

LaFleur said he wants Beck to run the offense and play as he has in practice. The coach said Beck’s approach through offseason activities and training camp, along with his preseason work, has given him confidence, while acknowledging that the team will learn more once Beck plays in a regular-season game.

The matchup will put Beck against a Rams defense described as loaded, with Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett named among its players. LaFleur said the plan had not been for Beck to start this early, but he believes the rookie is ready.