Cardinals reportedly fear QB Gardner Minshew has torn UCL, could miss remainder of season

The Arizona Cardinals are awaiting additional tests on quarterback Gardner Minshew’s elbow.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the concern is that the QB has torn the UCL in his throwing elbow and would miss the rest of the season, with months of rehab ahead.

If Minshew is out for the rest of the season, rookie quarterback Carson Beck, the Cardinals’ third-round draft pick this year, would be in line to start.

Donte Fowler hit Minshew coming around the offensive line. The quarterback was in the middle of throwing, and his arm bent at an odd angle as he forced the pass.

Beck started warming up, but Minshew didn’t miss any snaps in the game.

The loss against Seattle was Minshew’s first start of the season. He replaced Jacoby Brissett in the team’s comeback overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Minshew’s promotion to starter also came after Brissett was traded to the Baltimore Ravens last week. Arizona has no other quarterbacks in its organization besides Minshew and Beck.

The Arizona quarterback has played in two games this year. Minshew has thrown for 354 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Beck has not yet played in a regular-season game. The rookie played extensively in Arizona’s first preseason action against the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game.

The quarterback completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions, in the loss to the Panthers. Beck suffered a rib injury during the game that sidelined him for the rest of the preseason.

Minshew isn’t the only potential season-ending injury that Arizona is dealing with. Wide receiver Michael Wilson fractured something in his neck, according to head coach Mike LaFleur, and will miss the remainder of the season.

The Cardinals play the Los Angeles Rams this week. Arizona then has the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and Philadelphia Eagles, with a Week 14 bye.

Arizona is 3-6 and last in the NFC West. With the trade decisions made earlier in the year and the high-profile injuries suffered last week, the rest of the season may be an evaluation of the team’s young talent.