Carson Beck is 'Prepared To Go' After Cardinals Shake Up QB Depth Chart, HC Says

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck is one step closer to starting after the team reshuffled their quarterback depth chart on Monday.

Beck, who served as the team's emergency third-string option through the first eight games of the season, was elevated to the backup role as part of a move that named veteran Gardner Minshew as the team's starting quarterback.

"Obviously it's just behind the scenes," head coach Mike LaFleur said in his Monday press conference. "Nothing that you guys see, but I know [Beck's] prepared to go in there if need be. Again, just like Gardner, just like anyone that you ask that's going to be on this team, they're prepared as if they're going to be the starting quarterback, or they're prepared if they have to go in. I know that he has [a] full grasp of this game plan, [and] of this system."

The Cardinals selected Beck with the No. 65 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he has yet to take any regular season snaps. Beck has been inactive for all eight games this season and has dealt with back spasms in recent weeks, but LaFleur's confidence in the young quarterback hasn't wavered.

"It's no secret, obviously, if something were to happen, it'd be nice to know what we have right there," LaFleur added. "I feel really good about where he is with his development, so if that were to come up, then obviously he'd be the next one in."

Minshew earned the starting role after he stepped in to replace incumbent starter Jacoby Brissett during the third quarter of Arizona's thrilling 33-30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8.

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Despite Minshew's stellar performance, Beck will inevitably get his opportunity at some point. The 24-year-old quarterback generated buzz after an exciting preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. Beck completed 15 of his 19 pass attempts for 188 yards and a touchdown, but a rib injury forced him to miss the remainder of the preseason. Halfway through his rookie season, he's one step closer to taking the Cardinals' starting position.