LaFleur: Carson Beck not ‘behind’ despite lack of Cardinals preseason reps

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur denied the notion that rookie quarterback Carson Beck fell behind in training camp and the preseason after only being able to play in the Hall of Fame game.

“I wouldn’t say he’s behind because he’s a smart dude,” LaFleur told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “It makes sense. He’s been back in practice, he’s been full-go in that and he’s, I thought, every day he’s been back he’s been operating just like he was. I’m not going to say he’s behind. I know we’ll go from there.”

Beck suffered a rib injury in the loss to the Carolina Panthers, a game he thrived in. He completed 15 of his 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. Arizona was consistent in saying that Beck’s injury wasn’t a concern, and that his unavailability for the remaining three preseason games was precautionary more than anything.

Without Beck, the Cardinals’ other signal callers also saw plenty of success.

Veteran backup Gardner Minshew had a completion percentage of nearly 84% with three touchdowns and 404 yards. Starter Jacoby Brissett was 5-fot-5 in his lone action, while fourth-stringer Kedon Slovis was 39-of-61 for 434 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

In terms of one more assumption, LaFleur of course wouldn’t go into the idea that Beck will start at some point this season.

“I know you guys are speculating at some point he’s going to play — I know what I’m speculating, we’re playing at 1 o clock at SoFi (Stadium) on Sunday and that’s all I know and whoever plays after that going into game two and on we’ll adjust accordingly.”

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