Doug’s assessment of Gardner Minshew’s preseason is spot on with valuable insight into the Cardinals’ quarterback situation – specifically, the lurking presence of Carson Beck.
Beck starred in the Cardinals’ preseason opener in the Hall of Fame Game but has not played since then due to a rib injury he suffered in that game.
But between starter Jacoby Brissett, Minshew and Beck, the third-round rookie is the one who will be the most important for the Cardinals to evaluate in what looks to be a rebuilding year. Brissett and Minshew offer value as experienced backups who are being thrust into starting quarterback consideration, but neither is the future of the Cardinals.
Barring further injury, I’d be puzzled if the Cardinals sat Beck his entire rookie season, given the lack of long-term upside of the veterans, the lack of expectations for the team and next year’s tantalizing group of quarterback prospects in the draft. Arizona needs to know what it has by the end of 2026.
