Cardinals name Gardner Minshew starter and drop Jacoby Brissett to QB3

Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur named Gardner Minshew the team's starting quarterback going forward on Monday, according to ESPN and NFL Network. Rookie Carson Beck becomes the backup, and Jacoby Brissett, who had started every game this season, drops to the emergency third quarterback.

What's confirmed

Minshew replaced Brissett with 1:35 left in the third quarter on Sunday in Dallas. Arizona scored touchdowns on all four possessions he led in regulation, then won 33-30 in overtime on a 42-yard Chad Ryland field goal. Minshew finished 17-for-23 for 188 yards and three touchdowns.

Brissett was 10-for-23 for 119 yards and was sacked four times before he was pulled. LaFleur called the switch a gut decision and said the team "needed a spark." He also said the loss was not all on Brissett.

Beck, a third-round pick this year, has been inactive for all eight games and has dealt with back spasms. LaFleur said the rookie feels good now and would be the next quarterback in if something happened to Minshew. He framed the move as part of Beck's development.

The Cardinals play at the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

What's still open

LaFleur said Minshew starts going forward, but this is a hot-hand decision built on one half of football. A rough outing in Seattle could reopen the job, and Beck's promotion puts a young option one step away. Brissett's future in Arizona is also unclear with the trade deadline on Nov. 10, though no deal has been reported.

What RSO owners should do now

In superflex and 2QB leagues, Minshew is worth a roster spot this week if he is still on waivers, and he is a reasonable bye-week or injury fill-in start. Keep any bid modest, since his hold on the job is short. Brissett owners can cut him in most formats unless your bench is deep. Beck is a cheap stash for dynasty owners who want a look at the rookie later this season. Arizona's pass catchers keep their usual roles; the change is in who is throwing to them.

What to watch next

Minshew's first start at Seattle on Sunday, whether Beck is active on game day, and any trade calls on Brissett before the deadline.