Cardinals QB Carson Beck out with rib injury; Mendoza gets earlier start vs. Raiders

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck sustained a rib injury during the Hall of Fame Game and will not play in Thursday night's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Beck was injured in the first quarter on a third-and-3 run, gaining four yards and a first down on the play, according to ESPN's reporting. He continued playing after the injury occurred. A source told ESPN that the injury is not considered serious, and a team source told ESPN's Josh Weinfuss there is "zero long-term worry" about the injury. The team decided to keep Beck out as a precaution and to allow more time to heal.

Beck practiced through soreness all week, but the team opted not to use him Thursday. The injury was not mentioned by the team when reporters asked about injuries during the week, according to ESPN.

In his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown for a quarterback rating of 125.4 in a 33-30 loss, per ESPN.

Beck is a third-round pick in the 2026 draft. Jacoby Brissett had been scheduled to start Thursday's game before Beck's status became uncertain. Beck's absence creates an earlier-than-expected opportunity for backup Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. Beck and Mendoza faced each other last season in the College Football Playoff National Championship, which Mendoza's Indiana Hoosiers won over Beck's Miami Hurricanes.

Las Vegas will start Kirk Cousins at quarterback.