Frerotte replaces Jackson as Vikings quarterback

File photo shows former Miami Dolphins quarterback Gus Frerotte September 11, 2005. Frerotte, who signed with Minnesota in the off season, has been promoted to the starting QB role.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The winless Minnesota Vikings will replace quarterback Tarvaris Jackson with veteran Gus Frerotte in the hope of jump-starting a stagnant passing game, coach Brad Childress said Wednesday.

Minnesota opened the season as leading contenders to win the NFC North but have stumbled with losses to Green Bay and Indianapolis.

"I feel like we have an opportunity here that I don't want to let pass by," Childress told reporters.

"Obviously we have a chance to have a successful season and so we don't let things potentially slip away... I'm going to make a change at quarterback."

Jackson, in his third NFL season, has completed 30 of 59 passes for 308 yards, one touchdown and one interception during a 24-19 loss to Green Bay and an 18-15 setback to the Colts.

"I know full well that one position is not responsible and that everyone needs to step up," Childress said. "But I'm just not seeing right now the aggressiveness from Tarvaris that I saw throughout the offseason, training camp, the two preseason games he played in.

"Part of it may be experience and I know Gus will give us that."

The 37-year-old Frerotte is in his 15th NFL season and has played for seven teams, including the Vikings during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Childress said the benching of Jackson did not mean the end of his Vikings career.

"There are many quarterbacks in this league that have experienced bumps in the road," he said. "It's part of the experience factor.

"While I know he doesn't like it -- I'd worry about him if he did like it -- I know he'll make the most of it."

The Vikings host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Justin Palmer)