Report: Gardner Minshew will likely need season-ending elbow surgery

The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback situation has shifted dramatically in the span of a week. After trading starter Jacoby Brissett to Baltimore following Week 8, the team turned to veteran Gardner Minshew, who started Sunday's 17-3 loss to Seattle. On the final play of the first half, Seahawks pass rusher Dante Fowler hit Minshew's throwing arm as he attempted a pass. Minshew grabbed his right elbow immediately but finished the game, completing 21 of 30 passes for 166 yards.

Multiple reports now indicate Minshew likely tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow and will need season-ending surgery. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Minshew is seeking additional medical opinions to confirm the diagnosis. Coach Mike LaFleur said Monday the team would know more by Wednesday but acknowledged "there is a possibility for sure" Minshew cannot play Sunday against the Rams.

If Minshew is out, third-round rookie Carson Beck will make his NFL debut. Beck, the 65th overall pick, has not played in a game since the Hall of Fame Game on August 6 due to back spasms that sidelined him during the preseason. He went 15-of-19 for 188 yards and a touchdown in that lone appearance. LaFleur said Beck is "doing good" with the back issue and noted the offensive system suits both quarterbacks similarly: "A lot of the stuff Carson likes and is good at is the stuff Gardner likes."

The Cardinals also signed veteran Josh Johnson off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad to serve as Beck's backup, as the team had no other quarterbacks on the roster or practice squad. Johnson's arrival was reported by ESPN's Schefter and confirmed by the team.

Beck's opportunity comes with significant obstacles. The Cardinals rank 28th in yards per play, and top wide receiver Michael Wilson is out for the season with a neck fracture. Starting center Hjalte Froholdt is in concussion protocol. Beck's first start would come against a Rams defensive front featuring Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, who returned from injured reserve in Week 9 with three sacks.

How Beck performs over the remaining eight games could determine whether Arizona uses what projects as a top-10 draft pick on a quarterback in 2027. Since 2007, only three quarterbacks drafted in the third round or later who made their first start after Week 7 of their rookie year went on to start at least eight games the following season: Nick Foles, Desmond Ridder, and Brock Purdy. The Cardinals' own history includes starting rookies John Skelton and Ryan Lindley due to injury, but neither became the long-term answer.