Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz has been placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury, the team announced Monday.
Wentz, who replaced J.J. McCarthy after he sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 2, started the last five games for Minnesota. He appeared to be in obvious pain during Thursday’s 37-10 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers, getting sacked five times and hit eight times in the loss.
Late in the game, Wentz was shown on the sideline, visibly frustrated, throwing his helmet to the turf.
Wentz is set to have season-ending surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder, according to multiple media reports.
The 32-year-old, who was the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is on his sixth team in the last six seasons. After spending his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz has been a mercenary of sorts since, starting 31 games over the last five seasons for the Indianapolis Colts (2021), Washington Commanders (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2023), Kansas City Chiefs (2024) and Vikings.
After signing with Minnesota Aug. 24, he went 2-3 with 1,216 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Over 10 NFL seasons, Wentz has started 99 games and thrown for 23,626 yards, 159 touchdowns and 72 interceptions.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell talked last week about this week’s game against the Detroit Lions (5-2) for McCarthy. Minnesota (3-4) now needs McCarthy available, or it will be forced to start rookie Max Brosmer on Sunday in hostile territory.
