The Arizona Cardinals are throwing Gardner Minshew into the starting lineup this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason matchup, and honestly, the implications for their quarterback room are wild. This isn’t just a casual preseason appearance, folks. Minshew’s been getting a ton of first-team reps, signaling he’s not just chilling as a backup, but genuinely at the ready for a starting position if the chips fall right.
The QB Battle: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, and Who’s Fighting
Right now, Jacoby Brissett is the starting quarterback on the Cardinals’ depth chart, with Minshew hot on his heels as the official backup. But the real drama is unfolding behind them: rookie Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis are in a full-blown battle for that crucial QB3 slot. This fluid situation is exactly what these preseason games and training camp are designed for, giving every signal-caller a shot to prove they belong. Minshew is slated to play the entire first half with the second-team offense, and then, after halftime, he’s expected to start the second half before calling it a day. Brissett, along with the starting offensive line, receivers, and tight end, will be held out completely to avoid any unnecessary risks.
Injuries, Roster Spots, and What’s at Stake
It’s not just the offense getting a break, either. Several key defenders, like safety Budda Baker and linebacker Mack Wilson, are earmarked for rest. The injury bug has also bitten a couple of rookies, with running back Jeremiyah Love nursing an ankle issue and Carson Beck on the mend from sore ribs. Head coach Mike LaFleur made it clear that only a handful of starters on both sides of the ball will even see the field. After Minshew, Slovis takes over for the second half, playing with some second-stringers before the third team gets their shot. Make no mistake, these guys are fighting tooth and nail for their professional careers; every single rep is a chance to make the 53-man roster. Slovis has actually played pretty well so far in the preseason, but it’s important to remember he’s mostly been matched up against other teams’ third-stringers.
The Cardinals will only keep three quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster. That fourth guy? He’s probably getting released and then, fingers crossed, re-signed to the practice squad if nobody else snags him off waivers. Every NFL team keeps at least one extra arm on the practice squad because you never know when you’ll need it. Final roster cutdowns are on Sunday, August 30, so time is running out fast for these players to make their case. This is crunch time!
Looking ahead, the Cardinals have one more preseason game after the Cowboys clash: Friday, August 28, on the road against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Then, they kick off their regular season on September 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers with an afternoon start. Every single play in these final preseason matchups is a job interview for these guys; let’s see who steps up and seizes their opportunity!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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