Rookie quarterback Carson Beck got a chance to shine on the football field in his first game for the Arizona Cardinals, albeit in the preseason Hall of Fame Game.

He received the nod for the starting job and played just the first half of the matchup, which included him leading the team on a 96-yard touchdown drive. After the game, Beck spoke about his excitement about getting to play again.

"Shoot from the time you cross the white lines, and you're out there on the first play, I was ready to roll. Since last night, when I was laying in bed, I could barely sleep, thinking about having the opportunity to play football again. Just never taking it for granted," Beck told reporters.

"Ever since I went through the injury, the surgery and had to get my UCL repaired, everything, I don't know just having gratitude for the game and every opportunity that I get is that I really found faith in," he said.

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Beck played multiple seasons at Georgia before transferring to Miami for his final season of college eligibility and led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

In his preseason debut, the Cardinals' third-round pick completed 14 of 19 passes for 188 yards and that 96-yard drive. Beck also threw a touchdown, got sacked once, and received a 125.4 rating for his half of football.

The Cardinals were tied 17-17 with the Panthers coming out of the half, and after a 3-0 Cardinals third, the teams traded scores in the fourth.

The Panthers had the ball last and finished with a stunning game-winning drive. Their undrafted rookie quarterback, Haynes King, rushed the ball towards the goal line and extended his arm for the touchdown. With that, Carolina claimed a 33-30 win in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

Still, Beck was impressive enough in his debut that he could end up becoming a starter at some point this season. Head coach Mike LaFleur also said he was "not surprised" by Beck's strong debut.

"I'm proud of the way he played, and it's a good, good first stepping stone for him," LaFleur also told reporters.

Whether or not that is any indication of him receiving a start next game or for the team's early regular season slate remains to be seen, but a vote of confidence by the head coach can go a long way. Beck remains third on the team's depth chart behind starter Jacoby Brissett and backup Gardner Minshew II.

The Cardinals' next preseason game is Thursday, Aug. 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by an Aug. 22 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. They'll wrap up preseason with a visit to play the Packers on Aug. 28.

From there, they'll have a break in the games until they begin their regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Los Angeles Chargers.

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