Cardinals’ Gardner Minshew to start vs. Cowboys, Carson Beck most likely out

TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals fans are getting their first taste of Minshew Mania this week.

Gardner Minshew II will make his first start for the franchise in Arizona’s lone preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Mike LaFleur said Thursday.

LaFleur added Minshew will get at least a half of work.

As for Jacoby Brissett and the starting offensive line, they will not get any action this week, though some Day 1 starters will be mixed in this week.

“I don’t want to say all starters (won’t play) … but it’s not like 22 guys are going to be sitting out,” LaFleur said. “There’s going to guys that are going to be out there on Day 1 that are going to starters that will be playing in this game.”

Minshew continues to lead the second-team offense behind Brissett following the latter’s contract negotiations that bled into training camp.

With Brissett away from the team during organized team activities and his hold-in during minicamp, Minshew got a lot of added reps with Arizona’s top playmakers and first-team offense.

What’s the latest on Cardinals rookie Carson Beck?

Beck is expected to get some throwing in after Thursday’s practice is feeling better, but most likely will not play this week as the rookie continues to deal with discomfort in his rib area.

This will mark the second missed preseason game for the 2026 third-round pick.

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