Cardinals name Carson Beck starting QB: Rookie faces Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett in NFL debut
Quick Look
Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur announced Carson Beck as the starting quarterback for Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, making Beck the third rookie quarterback drafted outside the first two rounds to start in the 2026 NFL season, joining undrafted rookies Jalon Daniels and Joe Fagnano—a feat not seen since 1987.
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Why It Matters
The 2026 NFL season has seen an unprecedented number of rookie quarterbacks drafted outside the first two rounds starting games, a phenomenon not seen since 1987. Carson Beck will be the third such rookie to start, joining undrafted rookies Jalon Daniels of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens.
If the 2026 NFL season feels like an unprecedented year for unheralded rookie quarterbacks, that's because it is.
With the Arizona Cardinals (3-6) announcing Carson Beck as their starting quarterback for Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams (5-4), he will now be the third rookie quarterback drafted outside of the first two rounds to start a game this season. The other two were undrafted rookies -- Jalon Daniels of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens. That hasn't happened since 1987.
"You never really know until you get to the live bullets on Sunday, but just the way he goes about his business, whether it's been from OTAs through training camp before he got hurt, seeing him operate in that first half," coach Mike LaFleur said. "Plus, the one possession there in the second half, so obviously we'll know more come next Sunday, but we have all the confidence he's ready to roll."
In the Hall of Fame game that kicked off the 2026 preseason, Beck completed 15 of his 19 throws for 188 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. Beck will also become the fifth quarterback to make his first career start against a duo of pass rushers with 100-plus sacks each when he faces the Rams' duo of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett.
"Who do they got?" LaFleur said jokingly. "I got no expectations for him except to go out and play his game one play at a time. Go let it rip, go have some fun. Have some fun with your guys."
A depleted group represents Beck's supporting cast, with Michael Wilson (neck) and Kendrick Bourne (tibia) out for the season and Marvin Harrison Jr. traded to the Houston Texans. Fifth-round rookie Reggie Virgil, undrafted veteran Simi Fehoko and Pro Bowl return man Devin Duvernay are the projected starters.
Open Questions
- How will Beck perform in his first career start against the Rams' pass-rushing duo?
- What is the extent of Beck's injury history mentioned in relation to OTAs and training camp?
- Will the Cardinals' depleted receiving corps impact Beck's performance?
