New NFL Rumors on Carson Beck's Timeline to Become Cardinals QB1 Amid 1-4 Start to Season

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck reportedly may not get a chance to prove himself on the field until later in the 2026 season.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that although he "absolutely" expects Beck to get some playing time this season, sources have indicated that it may not happen until late November, which is when Arizona's schedule gets easier.

Over their next six games, the Cards are at the Los Angeles Rams, home for the Denver Broncos, at the Dallas Cowboys, at the Seattle Seahawks, home for the Rams and at the Kansas City Chiefs.

On Nov. 29, the Cardinals host the Washington Commanders, which could be a softer landing spot for the rookie third-round pick out of Miami.

Arizona also has a three-game stretch against the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders from Weeks 15 through 17, which would give Beck a chance for success.

The Cardinals are currently 1-4, although it wouldn't necessarily be fair to blame veteran starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett for that.

He has done a solid job given the obvious shortcomings of the team as a whole, completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,110 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Fellow veteran Gardner Minshew II is actually still listed as Brissett's backup, but Graziano noted that Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur made comments Monday that suggest Beck could soon leapfrog him.

Entering the season, it was widely assumed that Beck would get the chance to start a handful of games at some point unless the Cards shocked the football world and got into playoff contention with Brissett at the helm.

Since that appears unlikely, it makes all the sense in the world for Beck to play eventually.

The Cardinals are one of many teams that could be looking to select a quarterback early in the 2027 NFL draft, although the 24-year-old Beck flashing starter potential could possibly change their outlook.

On the flip side, if Beck plays and doesn't look good, Arizona would perhaps be even more convicted in pursuing a new franchise signal-caller.