The Arizona Cardinals have officially lost two key offensive players for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. The team placed quarterback Gardner Minshew II and wide receiver Michael Wilson on injured reserve Tuesday, confirming that neither player is expected to return this season. The double injury setback leaves Arizona with major holes on offense as it prepares for its Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Both players were injured during Sunday’s 17-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, making the roster moves another difficult development for a Cardinals team that has struggled to find consistency.
Minshew injury opens door for Carson Beck
Minshew’s season is over after he suffered an injury to his throwing elbow against Seattle. Reports indicate that he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, an injury that is expected to require season-ending surgery. Remarkably, Minshew returned to the field after halftime and played the entire second half despite the injury.
The veteran completed 21 of 30 passes for 166 yards in the loss. His time as Arizona’s starter was brief, as he had only recently taken over following Jacoby Brissett’s departure to Baltimore. Minshew had helped the Cardinals pull off a comeback victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, but his injury now ends that opportunity.
With Minshew unavailable, rookie Carson Beck is expected to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Rams. Arizona has also added veteran Josh Johnson and rookie Joey Aguilar to provide additional quarterback depth.
Michael Wilson also done for the season
Wilson’s season has also come to an unfortunate end after he suffered a fracture in his neck during Sunday’s game. The injury occurred on his fourth offensive play, when he made a 17-yard reception and landed awkwardly. Like Minshew, Wilson continued playing before the full severity of the injury became clear.
The 26-year-old receiver finishes the 2026 season with 51 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns across nine games. His absence is another major setback for an Arizona receiving corps that has been devastated by injuries. Arizona Cardinals+1
Wilson’s injury is particularly damaging because Arizona had already lost several other wide receivers for the season, including Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Brooks. The Cardinals also traded Marvin Harrison Jr. earlier in the year, leaving the team with limited established options at the position.
The Cardinals now face the difficult task of preparing rookie Carson Beck for his first NFL start while working with a depleted group of pass catchers. With both Minshew and Wilson officially on injured reserve, Arizona will have to find answers quickly as it attempts to navigate the remainder of a challenging season.