Carson Beck could not ask for a tougher introduction to the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals rookie will make his first career start against a Los Angeles Rams defense featuring Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald.
Welcome to the NFL, Carson.
As Kyle Odegard shared on X, Beck could be working with Simi Fehoko, Reggie Virgil, and Devin Duvernay as his starting wide receivers. That is hardly an ideal situation for a young quarterback making his first appearance, especially against a defense with that much star power.
Arizona's situation has gone from bad to worse. Michael Wilson is officially out for the season after suffering a fracture in his neck, while Gardner Minshew could also be done for the year. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Minshew is feared to have suffered a torn UCL in his throwing arm. If that diagnosis is confirmed, the Cardinals will be without another quarterback for the remainder of the season. Arizona has already traded away Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jacoby Brissett, leaving the offense with very few established options.
What the heck happened in the desert?
Beck will at least have tight end Trey McBride, who remains the team's most reliable receiving threat. However, Arizona will need to find some help at wide receiver before Sunday's matchup. The current group has very little experience, and asking those players to carry the passing game against Los Angeles is a difficult assignment.
The Rams are dealing with their own receiving injuries, with Puka Nacua heading to injured reserve and Davante Adams already sidelined. That could leave Tutu Atwell as the top available receiver in the matchup. Still, Los Angeles has plenty of firepower on the other side of the ball. Garrett and Donald are two of the most intimidating defensive players in the league, and Beck will have to make quick decisions while dealing with constant pressure.
Beck is being thrown into the deep end immediately. The Cardinals need answers on offense, but their rookie quarterback could have an extremely difficult afternoon waiting for him.