The Arizona Cardinals are facing further offensive setbacks as quarterback Gardner Minshew is feared to have sustained a torn UCL in his throwing arm. Head coach Mike LaFleur previously noted a possibility of Minshew missing the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams before the severity of the injury emerged.
Potential Season-Ending Injury
According to NFL Network, Minshew may miss the rest of the season and require months of rehabilitation depending on subsequent medical testing. The quarterback reportedly sustained the issue prior to halftime but continued playing through the pain during a 17-3 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks last week.
New Options Under Center
Carson Beck stands as the next choice to lead the offense if Minshew remains sidelined. Jacoby Brissett started the campaign before being benched and traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the month.
To bolster depth while Minshew faces a potential lengthy absence, the franchise added Josh Johnson from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, as reported by ESPN. This transaction represents Johnson’s 15th NFL franchise across 14 seasons.
Beck entered the league as a third-round selection at No. 65 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The former college standout has not yet appeared in a professional regular-season contest and would become the third rookie signal-caller to start a game this year.
During his collegiate career, Beck played five seasons at Georgia followed by a final year at Miami (FL). He recorded 338 completions for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while leading his conference in completions and completion percentage at 72.4 percent.
Across 55 total collegiate appearances, he accumulated 966 completions for 11,725 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions. Brissett started eight games before the coaching staff turned to Minshew in the third quarter of a November 1 matchup against the Cowboys, which elevated Beck to the backup role.
Minshew made two appearances, completing 71.7 percent of his passes for 354 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions while recording an 0-1 record as a starter. The Cardinals currently hold a 3-6 record and occupy fourth place in the NFC West standings.
