The Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback situation has shifted again after reports that starting QB Gardner Minshew is feared to have suffered a torn UCL in his throwing arm. With Jacoby Brissett already traded and limited depth behind Minshew, the team’s quarterback depth chart is now extremely thin heading into the second half of the 2026 season.
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Depth Chart (Updated November 9, 2026)
Here is the current projected depth chart following the latest injury developments:
- Gardner Minshew II (#15) — Listed as QB1 but dealing with a right elbow/arm injury sustained against the Seahawks. He played through the injury before further testing raised concerns about a possible UCL tear.
- Carson Beck (#19) — Primary backup and the clear next man up if Minshew cannot play.
No established third quarterback is currently listed on the active roster. Jacoby Brissett, who began the season as the starter, was traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the week and is no longer with the team.
How the Cardinals Arrived at This Depth Chart
The Cardinals opened the 2026 season with Jacoby Brissett as the starter. After an inconsistent stretch, Gardner Minshew entered in relief during a Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys and led a comeback victory. Head coach Mike LaFleur then named Minshew the starter and elevated rookie Carson Beck to the backup role.
Minshew made his first start in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks (21-of-30 for 166 yards in a 17-3 loss) before the elbow injury occurred near the end of the first half. Multiple reports indicate he is undergoing additional testing, with a chance he could miss Week 10 or longer. If the injury proves to be a significant UCL issue, he could be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Carson Beck’s Role and Background
Carson Beck, selected in the third round (65th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Miami, has moved into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. He spent the early part of the season as the emergency third quarterback before being promoted when Minshew took over as starter.
Beck has not yet appeared in a regular-season game but saw limited preseason action. In college, he threw for over 11,700 yards and 88 touchdowns between Georgia and Miami, including a productive 2025 season that helped the Hurricanes reach the College Football Playoff. While he is viewed as a developmental prospect, the Cardinals have expressed confidence in his grasp of the offense.
If Minshew is ruled out against the Los Angeles Rams or beyond, Beck would be expected to make his first NFL start.
What This Means for the Cardinals
The Cardinals enter the stretch run at 3-6 and fourth in the NFC West. Their next game is a home matchup against the Rams on November 15. Beyond the quarterback position, the offense has already been dealing with other injuries, including a season-ending issue for wide receiver Michael Wilson.
With only two quarterbacks on the depth chart and no clear third option currently available, Arizona has very little margin for error at the position. The team will need to monitor Minshew’s recovery closely while preparing Beck for a potential larger role.
Outlook
The Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback depth chart is now centered on Gardner Minshew’s health and Carson Beck’s readiness. Further medical updates on Minshew’s throwing arm will determine whether the rookie is thrust into the starting lineup in the near term. Fans and fantasy managers should watch for official team announcements and additional reports in the coming days.