NEW ORLEANS — Minnesota Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson will miss the rest of the season after being placed on injured reserve because of dislocated toes on his left foot.

Team officials confirmed the move today before the Vikings' game against the New Orleans Saints. They said Henderson traveled to Baltimore, where Dr. Mark Myerson of the Institute for Foot & Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center performed successful surgery.

"Our first and foremost concern is E.J.'s long-term health and making sure that his foot is able to properly heal without compromising the results with an earlier return or without the surgery," Vikings head coach Brad Childress said. "He will focus on his rehabilitation to ensure that is the case. Knowing the leader that E.J. is on and off the field, he will remain an active member of this team throughout the year and look to contribute any way he can."

Henderson was injured during the second quarter of the Vikings' 30-17 loss at Tennessee on Sept. 28. He returned to the game, but the severity of the injury became more apparent during the past week.

Henderson was wearing a boot meant to minimize movement in his foot at the Vikings training headquarters during the week and was expected to miss Monday night's game in New Orleans, but had hoped to play again this season.

Now in his sixth season out of Maryland, Henderson started three of the first four games and was credited with 27 tackles, including a sack.

Meanwhile, the Vikings scratched wide receiver Sidney Rice (knee) for the game.

The New Orleans Saints released reserve quarterback Joey Harrington in order to make room on the roster for defensive tackle Remi Ayodele, who was signed off the practice squad and activated for the game. Harrington, who already has been signed and released twice this season, could be brought back as space on the roster allows.