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Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Let's dig into the AFC North mailbag.

Steve from Cincinnati writes: How do you think Andre Smith will play out this year? Will he start the opener vs. the Denver Broncos?

James Walker: Smith will be signed in a Bengal uniform eventually, Steve. At this point, it's too difficult to predict a date as both sides still differ on core issues. But the difference can be made up quickly or take another several weeks based on which side wants to bend first. As far as Smith starting against the Denver Broncos, the Bengals need him but it's getting close to the point where it's getting dangerous for both the player and the team. Training camp ended this week. Because of that Smith really needs preseason reps. If not, it won't be fair to Smith or quarterback Carson Palmer to throw the rookie out there and let him sink or swim in the first week of the regular season.

Josh from Erlanger, Ky. writes: Hey James, do you think DeDe Dorsey is a better backup then Kenny Watson?

James Walker: Josh, the Bengals feel they have better players competing behind Cedric Benson, and that's all that matters. It's not just Dorsey. They also like Brian Leonard and Bernard Scott, and they can't keep everyone. What's odd is just two years ago Watson was viewed in "Bengaldom" as the successor to Rudi Johnson. Now he's gone. It's amazing how fast things change in the NFL, especially for running backs.

Ben Miller from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio writes: Any news on the potential Josh Cribbs holdout? I know he has been at practice, so where does that situation stand?

James Walker: Nothing new to report, Ben. Cribbs says he hasn't made up his mind but there remains the possibility that he may hold out in the regular season. It's an odd approach. He avoids the fines of skipping training camp but he wouldn't pickup game checks if he doesn't play. Plus, if he gets injured in a preseason game, his salary will be on the books for that year as no team would extend an injured player. Although Cribbs is underpaid, contractually the Browns hold most of the cards. So it will be interesting to see how this saga plays out.

Coreen from Davis, CA writes: So James, there has been an awful lot of hype in this blog recently about how impressed you have been with the Bengals. After visiting both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Bengals camps, are you still as confident in the Bengals chances?

James Walker: Chance to do what, Coreen? The Bengals, in my eyes, are labeled a sleeper. I think they have a good chance to double last year's win total (four) this season and maybe make a playoff push if health and other things fall their way. I've never placed them next to Pittsburgh, which before and after camps I still believe is the favorite to win the division.

Big Mick wants to know if Frank Summers has enough to contribute to the Steelers.

James Walker: Where are you from, Big Mick? We always rep our sets in the AFC North blog. Get with the program. It looks like the light hasn't turned on for Summers at this juncture but it's early. In my time in Latrobe he struggled running the football. I also noticed his nickname "Tank" has worked against him, because more than a few veteran Steelers were eager to test that moniker and punished Summers in individual and team drills.

If you have any additional AFC North questions, feel free to chime into our division inbox.