Cardinals commit to developing Carson Beck extensively in 2026

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.”

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.