Miami not sure when new QB Carson Beck can begin throwing. Cristobal defends Cam Ward

By TIM REYNOLDS The Associated Press

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal encourages his players as he paces the sideline during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Raoux]

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Carson Beck has been through his first team meeting at Miami, and he’s starting to build relationships with his new teammates. It’s not clear, though, when Miami’s new quarterback will start throwing. Coach Mario Cristobal says there’s a chance that Beck’s surgically repaired right elbow will be healed enough for him to take part in spring practice, but there’s no timetable yet. Beck was hurt while playing for Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game last month. He then transferred to Miami in a massive win for the Hurricanes, who got a great season out of transfer QB Cam Ward in 2024.