The Arizona Cardinals have named Gardner Minshew the starting quarterback, replacing Jacoby Brissett. The decision comes after Minshew stepped in during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and helped lead the team to an overtime victory.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur cited Minshew's competitive spirit and ability to spark the offense as key factors in the decision. "I think he kind of showed all of us in terms of him going out there being the competitor that he is," LaFleur told reporters. "The production was pretty wild in terms of the amount of points and just moving up and down the field. But, he’s a competitor and he’s always prepared."
Minshew, 30, completed 17 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns in his first appearance of the 2026 season, orchestrating a comeback after Brissett was pulled. Brissett completed 10-of-23 passes for 119 yards and an interception before being benched.
With Minshew taking over as the starter, rookie Carson Beck will move into the backup position, and Brissett will be designated as the emergency third quarterback. LaFleur indicated that moving Beck to backup was for his development.
Brissett's demotion raises questions about his future with the team, particularly with the trade deadline approaching. LaFleur stated that the team's focus is solely on the upcoming game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
LaFleur acknowledged that benching a player is difficult, saying, "It’s not a fun phone call... There’s a human element to it. I have a lot of respect for Jacoby, the person. I have a lot of respect for Jacoby, the player."