Vikings place Wentz on IR for season-ending left-shoulder surgery

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings placed veteran quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve on Monday and said he will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder, a person with knowledge of the decision said, closing out a five-game stint as the club’s starter and reopening the team’s quarterback question heading into Week 9.

Wentz aggravated an injury first suffered Oct. 5 in London and played through pain in the Vikings’ 37-10 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 23, completing 15 of 27 passes for 144 yards with one touchdown and one interception while taking five sacks. Team medical evaluations after the game found structural damage to the nonthrowing shoulder, and a procedure was deemed necessary, the person said. The Vikings used the available roster spot to claim tight end Ben Sims from waivers and later added quarterback John Wolford to the practice squad to shore up depth.

Coach Kevin O’Connell reiterated that the decision to play Wentz was made with medical input. “I would never have allowed Wentz to play if the doctors had advised against it,” he said. The coach has also maintained that J.J. McCarthy will resume his starting role when he is healthy. “If...