It’s time for Tarvaris

When he drafted Tarvaris Jackson out of Alabama State in April, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress called him “a piece of clay” that needed to be molded into a starting quarterback.

Eight months later – and a lot sooner than expected considering the playoffs are still a possibility for the Vikings (6-8) – Childress is throwing Jackson into the kiln at Lambeau Field.

It’s Tarvaris Time in Minnesota.

Childress announced Tuesday that Jackson will start the final two games of the season, including Thursday night’s pivotal game at Green Bay, replacing veteran Brad Johnson.

Childress said Jackson “gives us the best chance to win right now.

“I have high expectations for him,” Childress added. “He’s prepared. He’s ready to go.”

Childress has benched Johnson three times this season, with the final move coming in the closing seconds of the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets. Johnson was 10 of 17 for 96 yards and a touchdown, but failed to move the offense effectively after throwing a TD to Travis Taylor on his third snap of the game.

After Johnson was booed off the field by the home crowd, Jackson entered with 25 seconds left in the third period to a standing ovation. He threw for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a performance deemed “OK” by Childress.

“It feels great, especially going into Green Bay and playing against Brett Favre,” Jackson said. “Coach made a decision and I just feel good that he feels comfortable enough to put me in.”

The rookie has been fiercely loyal to Johnson throughout the season, defending his mentor against mounting criticism and refusing to lobby for a start.

Everything came to a head last week against the Jets, when the home crowd booed Johnson every time he took the field and chanted “We Want Jackson! We Want Jackson!”

“You hate for it to happen like that,” Jackson said. “Brad’s been so good for us this year and over his career. I’ve learned so much from him.

“A lot of things you’ll see me do will be because of me watching him, him helping me out so much. I just hate to see it happen like that.”

It was a fast fall for the 38-year-old Johnson, who was the darling of Vikings fans last season after taking over for the injured Daunte Culpepper and leading the team to a 7-2 finish. He never recaptured the magic this season, all too often failing to move the offense while being handcuffed by a mediocre receiving corps and some conservative play calling by Childress.

The move could mark the end of Johnson’s second stint with the Vikings. He’s under contract through 2008.

With still so much on the line for the Vikings – it’s a possibility that an 8-8 team will make the playoffs in the NFC – some would see turning to a rookie quarterback as throwing in the towel on the season.

But free safety Darren Sharper, who has been critical of the sluggish offense this season, said he has faith in Jackson.

“I don’t see him as being that type of guy to get caught up in all the hoopla with the game,” Sharper said. “He’s a pretty even-keeled guy. He’s been extremely poised since the first day he stepped on the practice field with us, so I think that’s going to carry over to the game in Green Bay.”

“The Vikings placed defensive tackle Spencer Johnson on injured reserve after he injured his ankle against the Jets on Sunday.

Cullen suspended for driving arrests

Detroit Lions assistant coach Joe Cullen was suspended by the NFL for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears for two arrests – one for drunken driving and one for nude driving. He also was fined $20,000 in addition to the one-week suspension.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell cited the defensive line coach for conduct detrimental to the league, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Cullen was pulled over Aug. 24 in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn and ticketed on suspicion of indecent and obscene conduct after police said he was driving nude. The Lions said alcohol was involved.

Around the league

The Chicago Bears suspended Tank Johnson for one game, deciding not to cut the troubled defensive tackle, who’s been arrested three times in the last 18 months. Johnson will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions as punishment for being at a bar last week, when his friend was shot to death. The incident happened less than 48 hours after he was arrested on misdemeanor weapons charges. … The New England Patriots placed punter Ken Walter on injured reserve with a knee injury – the second punter the team has lost of the season in the past month. … Cleveland running back Jason Wright was placed on injured reserve with a sprained left knee ligament, the ninth player lost by the Browns this season. Wright injured his medial collateral ligament during Sunday’s loss at Baltimore when he got hit from the side by a Ravens defender. … The Miami Dolphins placed guard Jeno James on injured reserve because of an injured right knee, and signed guard Dan Stevenson from the practice squad. … The Arizona Cardinals placed tight end Adam Bergen on injured reserve and promoted fullback John Bronson from the practice squad. Bergen injured his left knee in Sunday’s 37-20 loss to Denver and may require surgery.