LaFleur not – Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur says he’s not focused on naming a Week 1 starting quarterback yet, even as Jacoby Brissett has skipped parts of the offseason program. With Gardner Minshew running first-team work at mandatory minicamp, Arizona says it will keep wo
When the Cardinals wrapped up their offseason program on Wednesday, one thing stood out in the way it always does in Arizona when training camp is on the horizon: a blank spot at quarterback. No one has been anointed as the team’s starting QB heading into training camp.
For much of the offseason, the expectation inside the building has been that Jacoby Brissett would hold that job. But he skipped the voluntary portion of the team’s program while he looks for a contract that reflects that standing. Brissett avoided a fine by showing up to this week’s mandatory minicamp, yet he didn’t practice.
With Brissett absent from the field, Gardner Minshew handled first-team work. Third-round pick Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis were also on hand as the Cardinals went through their mandatory sessions.
That’s where the story gets tense, even without a single proclamation. Head coach Mike LaFleur made it clear he isn’t interested in turning the situation into a headline right now. “I’m not really concerned about QB1 right now,” LaFleur said, via the team’s website. “I’m concerned about these guys reporting. Really, I’m concerned about them for the next 40 days and what they are doing . . . you can’t take steps backwards, and that’s not just the quarterbacks. That’s all these guys.”.
LaFleur’s message shifts the focus away from naming a starter and toward something more immediate for the group already in place: the quality of participation and progress as camp closes in. He said the Cardinals will continue conversations with Brissett. and having him as a full participant when camp opens would be a good step toward establishing the pecking order in Arizona.
Arizona Cardinals Mike LaFleur Jacoby Brissett Gardner Minshew Carson Beck Kedon Slovis NFL quarterback mandatory minicamp training camp
So they don’t even know QB1 and it’s basically preseason chaos already.
Brissett skipped stuff but still shows up to minicamp?? Sounds like he wants paid for doing nothing lol. Meanwhile Minshew out there running plays.
I don’t get the “QB1 talk” thing. If Brissett’s skipping voluntary but then is around, wouldn’t that mean he’s still QB1? Or are they already trying to replace him with Minshew quietly. Also 40 days… like camp is gonna fix everything?
LaFleur “not concerned” is what coaches say right before they panic in week 2. Arizona always has the blank QB spot forever, and then everybody pretends it’s fine. Brissett avoided a fine but didn’t practice… that’s the most QB1 thing ever. I’m just saying, if Minshew keeps getting first-team reps, it’ll be hard to go back.