Carson Beck in line for first NFL start

Former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is in line to make his first NFL start Sunday for Arizona after Gardner Minshew II suffered a right ulnar collateral ligament injury. ESPN reported that Minshew probably needs season-ending surgery, though he is seeking additional medical opinions before determining the next step.

Beck has not taken an NFL regular-season snap. Arizona listed him as its second-string quarterback last week after he spent the first eight weeks as the emergency third quarterback, and the Cardinals have signed 40-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson to serve as Beck’s backup.

Arizona coach Mike LaFleur told ESPN.com that the offense would retain its foundation with Beck replacing Minshew. According to LaFleur, the overlap between the concepts Beck and Minshew prefer limits the need for a significant system change.

Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown without an interception in his only NFL preseason appearance. That start lasted through the opening series of the third quarter.

Beck spent five of his six college seasons at Georgia and went 24-3 as the Bulldogs’ starter in 2023 and 2024. He suffered an elbow injury on the final play of the first half of Georgia’s 22-19 comeback victory over Texas in the 2024 SEC Championship Game. After initially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, Beck transferred to Miami for his final college season.

Gunner Stockton replaced Beck against Texas and later started Georgia’s 23-10 CFP quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame. Beck finished his Georgia career with 628 completions, fourth in program history. A start would put him alongside Matthew Stafford among former Bulldogs currently starting at quarterback in the NFL.

Why it matters

Beck is positioned to take his first NFL regular-season snap after five seasons at Georgia and one at Miami. A start would place him alongside Matthew Stafford among former Bulldogs currently leading NFL offenses.

What to watch next

Arizona hosts the winless Los Angeles Chargers at 4:05 p.m. Sunday, with Beck next in line if Minshew cannot play.