During the offseason, Minnesota expressed little interest in trading for Brett Favre. It insisted it had its quarterback of the future in Tarvaris Jackson. But now, Vikings coach Brad Childress just announced that Jackson has been benched.

Effective immediately, Gus Frerotte is the Vikings’ new starting quarterback. His first start will come Sunday against Carolina, in a game the 0-2 Vikings badly need.

Starting Sunday is one thing. But now the question becomes what the Vikings do at quarterback long-term. Jackson has not been the answer so far, and his benching would indicate he will not be any time soon. Minnesota also drafted John David Booty, and he could be groomed.

But Minnesota is searching for an answer at quarterback. For now it is hoping it is Frerotte. For the future, it is wide open.