Gardner Minshew Takes Over as Cardinals Make QB Change Against Cowboys, Bench Jacoby Brissett
Minshew Takes Over in Week 8
Gardner Minshew entered for Jacoby Brissett during the third quarter of Arizona’s matchup with Dallas. Brissett had completed 10 of 23 attempts for 119 yards and thrown one interception.
Minshew, listed second on the depth chart, made his first appearance of the 2026 season. The Cardinals trailed 17-10 at publication, then scored a touchdown on Minshew’s first drive with a 63-yard run.
A Change After Offensive Struggles
Arizona entered the game with a 2-5 record and had struggled offensively with Brissett at quarterback. The change came after fans had called for a different quarterback, despite head coach Mike LaFleur’s public support for Brissett and his command of the offense.
Brissett had held out throughout the offseason before reaching a contract agreement with the Cardinals. He received $15 million guaranteed in the final year of his contract and began the 2026 season as Arizona’s starter.
Depth Chart and Next Games
Minshew is a former Pro Bowl quarterback, and his entry could put him in contention to start in upcoming games. Rookie third-round pick Carson Beck remains the emergency quarterback; he can play only if both Minshew and Brissett are ruled out.
With the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10 approaching, the article said all options remained possible for Arizona. It also reported the team hoped to get Beck onto the field at some point this season.
Brissett’s Message to Teammates
Brissett, a team-voted captain for 2026, told reporters this week that he felt responsible for helping turn things around. He described each week as another opportunity and said the team needed to focus on the next opponent and practice with the right mindset.
“It’s a new week. It’s a new opportunity,” Brissett said. He also called it a long season and emphasized trying to win that day.
Key points
- Minshew replaced Brissett in the third quarter against Dallas.
- Brissett finished with 119 passing yards and one interception on 10-of-23 passing.
- Arizona trailed 17-10 before Minshew’s first drive produced a 63-yard touchdown run.
- Carson Beck is the emergency quarterback and can play only if both other quarterbacks are ruled out.