The Arizona Cardinals are turning to rookie quarterback Carson Beck for their first preseason game of 2026.
Beck is expected to start under center when the Cardinals face the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The matchup marks the official start of the NFL preseason and gives Arizona its first extended look at the rookie signal-caller in live game action.
Carson Beck to Make First NFL Start
The Cardinals selected Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft after he finished his college career at Miami following multiple standout seasons at Georgia.
With franchise quarterback Kyler Murray firmly established as the team’s starter, Arizona is expected to use the preseason to evaluate its depth and determine who will emerge as Murray’s primary backup entering the regular season.
Starting Beck in the Hall of Fame Game provides valuable experience while allowing the coaching staff to assess his command of the offense against NFL competition.
Cardinals Quarterback Depth Chart
Arizona enters the preseason with several quarterbacks competing for roster spots and backup roles.
Expected quarterback rotation:
- Carson Beck (Starter)
- Kedon Slovis
- Gardner Minshew II (Expected to sit or have limited action)
- Jacoby Brissett (Expected to sit or have limited action)
The Cardinals are expected to prioritize younger quarterbacks throughout the preseason while limiting snaps for veteran passers.
Panthers Also Resting Their Starter
The Carolina Panthers are expected to follow a similar approach.
Starting quarterback Bryce Young is not expected to play in the Hall of Fame Game. Veteran Kenny Pickett is expected to start before rookie Haynes King and other backups receive playing time later in the contest.
With both teams protecting their established starters, Thursday’s matchup will serve as an opportunity for young quarterbacks to showcase their development ahead of roster decisions.
What the Cardinals Want to See from Carson Beck
Arizona’s coaching staff will likely focus on several areas during Beck’s debut:
- Decision-making under pressure
- Accuracy and timing
- Pocket awareness
- Command of the huddle
- Ability to extend drives
While preseason results are secondary, Beck’s performance could significantly impact the competition for the backup quarterback role heading into the 2026 season.
Hall of Fame Game Kicks Off NFL Preseason
The annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game traditionally opens the NFL preseason and gives fans their first glimpse of rookies, free-agent additions, and position battles.
For Arizona, much of the attention will be on Carson Beck as he takes his first NFL snaps and begins building his case for a larger role within the Cardinals organization.
FAQ
Who is starting at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals tonight?
Rookie Carson Beck is expected to start for the Arizona Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Is Kyler Murray playing tonight?
No. The Cardinals are expected to rest starting quarterback Kyler Murray during the Hall of Fame Game.
Will Gardner Minshew II or Jacoby Brissett play?
Both veteran quarterbacks are expected to either sit out or see very limited playing time as Arizona evaluates its younger quarterbacks.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Panthers?
Veteran Kenny Pickett is expected to start for Carolina, while Bryce Young is expected to be held out.
Why is Carson Beck starting?
The Cardinals want to evaluate the rookie quarterback in live game action as part of the team’s preseason quarterback competition and player development.