One comeback was enough to change Arizona’s quarterback plans. After a dramatic finish against Dallas, the Cardinals have a new starter and a reshuffled depth chart.
Gardner Minshew will be the Arizona Cardinals’ starting quarterback going forward, the team’s coach said Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, a day after Minshew rallied Arizona to a 33 to 30 overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys.
How did Gardner Minshew win the job?
Minshew replaced Jacoby Brissett with less than two minutes left in the third quarter Sunday. Arizona scored touchdowns on all four drives he led in regulation. Arizona trailed when he entered, and the offense came alive almost immediately.
He then guided the winning drive in overtime, which ended with a field goal from 42 yards by Chad Ryland. Gardner Minshew completed 17 of 23 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns. The performance turned what looked like a loss into one of the most exciting wins of the season for Arizona.
Before he was pulled, Brissett had completed 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and was sacked four times. The offense had struggled to protect him and move the ball consistently.
Why did the Cardinals make the change?
The coach said the switch was a gut decision because the team needed a spark. He said Gardner Minshew showed everyone what kind of competitor he is and that his production was remarkable.
He praised Minshew for always preparing as if he were the starter and for supporting Brissett as a backup. The coach said the performance did not surprise him.
What happens to Jacoby Brissett?
Brissett, who had started every game this season, will become the emergency third quarterback. The coach said making that phone call was not fun and that there is a human element to such decisions.
He said he has great respect for Brissett as a person and a player, that the team’s struggles were not all on him and that responsibility starts with the coaching staff. He said the veteran handled the news like a professional. He noted that quarterbacks understand the nature of the position when they sign up for it.
Why is Carson Beck the backup?
Rookie Carson Beck, a pick in the third round this year, moves up from the emergency role to become Gardner Minshew’s backup. The coach said it was the right thing to do for his development, since he will get work with the scout team.
Beck has been inactive for all eight games and has dealt with back spasms recently, but the coach said he feels good and understands the game plan. Despite limited practice reps, the coach said Beck is ready if he is needed.
Beck starred in college at Georgia before finishing his career at Miami. He was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in college football before his draft stock slipped.
What is next for Gardner Minshew?
Gardner Minshew will make his first start of the season Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. Seattle has been playing well and recently beat the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minshew, a veteran known for his energy and confidence, has started games for several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders. He has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable backup quarterbacks.
The coach said he spoke with other players before announcing the move so no one would be caught off guard, adding that he is not worried about the locker room.
For Gardner Minshew, the comeback against Dallas turned a backup role into a chance to lead. Now he has to prove it can last.
