Minshew’s elbow injury puts Cardinals’ quarterback plan in focus

Lead

Gardner Minshew injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his right throwing elbow during the second quarter of Arizona’s Week 9 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Source 1Source 2

The injury occurred when Seahawks linebacker Dante Fowler hit Minshew as he attempted a pass on the final play of the first half. Source 2

Minshew remained in the game after the incident and completed 21 of 30 passes for 166 yards. Source 1

Multiple reports indicate that the injury is a torn UCL and that he is likely to require surgery which would end his season. Source 1Source 2Source 3

The diagnosis

The treatment decision is not yet final, with Minshew obtaining further medical opinions to confirm whether surgery is required. Source 1Source 2

Mike LaFleur has said there is a possibility that Minshew will miss Arizona’s Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Source 2

If the operation is confirmed, the current expectation from the reports is that it will rule Minshew out for the rest of the season. Source 1Source 2Source 3

The available reporting identifies the affected ligament and the likelihood of surgery, but the immediate uncertainty remains centred on the further medical consultations. Source 1Source 2

Sporting impact

If Minshew undergoes surgery, third-round rookie Carson Beck is expected to take over as the starting quarterback beginning against the Rams in Week 10. Source 1Source 2Source 3

Beck was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and would become the first quarterback from that draft class to start an NFL game. Source 1

Arizona recently traded former starter Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens, leaving Beck as the primary option behind Minshew. Source 1Source 3

LaFleur has indicated that the offensive scheme would remain largely unchanged should Beck assume the starting role. Source 2

The potential change arrives with Arizona at 3-6 and last in the NFC West following the Seattle loss. Source 3

The wider injury picture is also difficult, as wide receiver Michael Wilson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season with a neck injury. Source 2

Notes

There is broad agreement across the reports that Minshew’s UCL injury could end his season, but his search for further medical opinions means surgery has not been presented as a finalised outcome. Source 1Source 2Source 3

The reports also align on Beck as the expected replacement if Minshew is unavailable, with the Rams game the immediate point at which that decision could take effect. Source 1Source 2Source 3

Arizona’s next update on Minshew’s medical assessment will determine whether the anticipated quarterback change becomes official. Source 1Source 2