Cardinals' Carson Beck opens up about starting Hall of Fame Game vs. Panthers

First-year Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is not expected to play either starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett or veteran backup Gardner Minshew II during Thursday night's Pro Football Hall of Fame Game versus the Carolina Panthers. 

2026 third-round draft pick Carson Beck will start Thursday's exhibition contest and will presumably see a decent amount of action. While speaking with reporters following Tuesday's practice, Beck opened up about receiving the opportunity to serve as his club's QB1 on a temporary basis. 

Carson Beck had "no clue" he was going to start Hall of Fame Game

"I had no clue I was going to start," Beck explained, per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' website. "I thought I was going to play, but I had no expectations. Obviously our schedule has been crazy right now. But I'm looking forward to it."

Of course, Beck is on track to begin the regular season as a spectator. While the previously mentioned Brissett stayed away from the Cardinals throughout voluntary springtime workouts amid his desire for an adjusted contract, he ultimately received a reworked deal in late July. 

That said, the Cardinals could eventually turn to Beck this fall if certain projections prove to be accurate. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Arizona as the overall betting favorite at +250 odds to finish the 2026 campaign with the fewest wins in the league.

"It's a game at the end of the day," Beck added about getting the start on Thursday. "Not really any nerves. More excitement than anything."

What Cardinals want to see from Carson Beck

The perception exists that the Cardinals will be among the teams that will spend a top-tier draft pick on a young quarterback prospect next spring. Beck can't worry about such things this summer and instead will have to focus on doing all he can to look the part against the Panthers and in Arizona's other preseason games. 

"It all starts with that position with calling the play," Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said about what will be expected of Beck on Thursday. "Being comfortable with the play, make sure everyone is getting up to the line, great cadences, making sure all those little things are there. And then (making) smart, sound decisions."