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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 12, 2026

Ryan Lindley named Cardinals’ starting QB in Week 12

The Arizona Cardinals will start rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Kevin C. Cox

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley will start on Sunday for the team's Week 12 game against the St. Louis Rams.

A week after Lindley made his first appearance because of John Skelton's benching, Lindley will be tasked with resurrecting an inept offensive unit. The rookie out of San Diego State replaced Skelton in the second quarter of Arizona's 23-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week.

Despite the Cardinals’ defense coming up with six turnovers in that game, the offense couldn’t turn those possessions into points.

Whisenhunt pulled Skelton after two red zones drives by way of forced turnovers resulted in missed throws and then field goals. Afterward, Whisenhunt said that missed throws by Skelton had to be held accountable.

Lindley was not so effective himself. He went 9 for 20 for 64 yards and once fumbled the ball. Arizona went 2 for 16 on third down conversions and had just 178 total yards.

With Arizona on a six-game losing streak at this point in the season, it appears Whisenhunt will give the rookie a shot after Skelton failed to capitalize on his opportunities. At least, that's the case until former starting quarterback Kevin Kolb can return from a rib injury.

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