Mike LaFleur's Carson Beck decision raises early questions for Cardinals' QB future
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Mike LaFleur's Carson Beck decision raises early questions for Cardinals' QB future originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Carson Beck will take the first snap of his NFL career Thursday night when the Arizona Cardinals open the preseason against the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. The rookie quarterback enters the spotlight after earning praise from head coach Mike LaFleur during training camp.
Carson Beck gets first chance to impress Cardinals coaching staff
LaFleur announced that Beck will start the preseason opener after what he described as the rookie's strongest practice since camp began. The coach praised Beck's accuracy and rhythm while running the offense, giving the third-round pick his first opportunity to lead the Cardinals in live game action.
Cardinals rookie QB Carson Beck will start Thursday's Hall of Fame game, per HC Mike LaFleur. pic.twitter.com/3cOafgvlPo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2026
Arizona selected Beck with the 65th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after his final college season at Miami. He enters training camp as the third quarterback on the Cardinals' depth chart behind Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II.
The starting assignment does not signal a change in that order. Instead, it reflects Arizona's preseason plan. Brissett and Minshew are both expected to sit out Thursday's game, leaving Beck and Kedon Slovis to handle quarterback duties against Carolina.
The Cardinals view the game as an important step in Beck's development. While practices have shown progress, live game situations will give coaches a better chance to evaluate his decision-making, command of the offense and ability to operate under pressure.
Beck finished his college career with 11,725 passing yards, 88 touchdown passes and 32 interceptions before becoming the third quarterback selected in the 2026 draft.
He now enters a quarterback room where the primary competition centers on the backup role behind Brissett.
The Hall of Fame Game won't determine the starting quarterback, but it gives Beck a chance to show his skills.
If he plays well, it will help him build on his strong training camp performance and provide the Cardinals with more information as they assess their quarterback options before the regular season.
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