GLENDALE – Despite naming Jacoby Brissett the starting quarterback for 2026, the Arizona Cardinals seem committed developing their rookie QB this season. Head coach Mike LaFleur spoke with the media on Friday about how the team will handle the development of third-round pick Carson Beck, who is currently listed as the third-string quarterback.
LaFleur made an interesting decision by splitting the scout-team reps between Beck and Gardner Minshew, an uncommon way of dividing those reps. ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss broke it down on his X account by stating that the two backups will split 32 reps on Wednesday, 36 on Thursday and 20 on Friday.
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
LaFleur on decision to split scout-team reps:
“As you’re trying to develop these guys, we just thought it was right to do that. If had Gardner been a second-year guy and was our No. 2, then probably wouldn’t be doing this. But because he has played so much football, so much meaningful football in this league, understands this system, obviously took all the reps through OTAs, took a ton of reps in training camp, that’s why we felt comfortable being able to do this.”
Aug 6, 2026; Canton, Ohio, USA;Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur reacts during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In his lone preseason game, Beck was impressive throwing 15-of-19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. The hype was short lived because of an rib injury the rookie suffered in the game. He remained out for the rest of the preseason and being the third-string QB, Beck’s reps looked to be far from one another.
However, LaFleur seems determined for the 23-year-old to not lose his confidence giving him scout-team reps. That luxury is possible with an experience quarterback in Minshew already learning the system in OTAs and training camp. The experience allows the first-year Cardinals coach to open the door to continue Beck’s development, which could be massive towards the end of this season and the future.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
