Cardinals may start rookie Carson Beck as Gardner Minshew evaluated for possible UCL tear
The Arizona Cardinals are assessing Gardner Minshew for a suspected torn ulnar collateral ligament after Week 9, with rookie Carson Beck positioned to take over if the injury is confirmed.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said the Arizona Cardinals suspect quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during the Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Minshew played the second half despite the injury and will undergo additional tests to determine its severity. If he is unable to start in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, the team plans to elevate third-round rookie Carson Beck, who threw for 188 yards and a touchdown in his only preseason appearance.
The Cardinals also face a depleted receiving group, with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. now on the Houston Texans and tight end Michael Wilson (neck) and receiver Kendrick Bourne (leg) ruled out for the season. Beck, who has been the emergency third-string quarterback, is expected to gain experience while the team decides its quarterback hierarchy for the remainder of the season.
"Beck threw the ball well in practice," Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur was quoted as saying.
Minshew, who threw for 166 yards against Seattle, remains the likely starter once cleared, but the injury could accelerate Beck's involvement. The Cardinals' schedule eases after upcoming matchups with the Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, potentially giving Beck additional opportunities to play.