Minnesota quarterback Gus Frerotte throws during warm-ups before a pre-season game in Minneapolis Aug. 8. The Vikings are benching quarterback Tarvaris Jackson in favor of the Ford City native.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — With the passing offense sputtering in two losses to open the season, Minnesota coach Brad Childress decided the Vikings no longer can afford to let 25-year-old quarterback Tarvaris Jackson learn on the job.

Childress turned to veteran Gus Frerotte Wednesday to run the offense for the rest of the season.

Jackson completed just 51 percent of his passes this season. He threw a game-ending interception at Green Bay that sealed the Packers victory.

Last season, Frerotte, a Ford City native, started three games with St. Louis and played in five others, completing 56.3 percent of his passes for 1,014 yards, seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions.