Q: What will the Vikings do if Tavaris Jackson’s injury issues continue?
— Rob Walker, Winona, Minn.

A: Jackson has been injured five times in two years, so questions about his durability are completely valid. I asked Vikings coach Brad Childress about it, and he said Jackson takes good care of his body, so that's not the issue. Childress said what Jackson has to learn to do is live for another play and not play as recklessly. If he does that, he will put himself at risk less frequently. If he does not, he will continue to spend a lot of time in the trainer's room and the Vikings will be in the quarterback market.

Q: Will the Bengals’ stink if Chad Johnson is less than 100 percent this season?
— Sam, Cincinnati, Ohio

A: The Bengals obviously are dependent on their passing game, so they need Johnson making big plays in order to be all they can be. But he isn't their only weapon. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is one of the league's best No. 2 wide receivers, and now they have Chris Henry, who is arguably the league's most talented third wide receiver. The key for this team is going to be getting the running game going and improving the defense. If those two things don't happen, the Bengals may stink even if Johnson is 110 percent.

Q: Is Kevin Smith going to be the Lions’ starting running back?
— Tim A., Lansing, Mich.

A: My guess is they will start the season with a committee approach, with Smith, Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun. The hope and the plan certainly is for Smith to emerge as the leader of the group. So far, Smith has shown a good ability to slide and spurt and pick up tough yards. He needs to show he can come up with the 15 and 20 yard runs from time to time.

Q: How many wide receivers are allowed be kept after the cut, by NFL teams?
— Herc Foster, Climax Springs, Mo.

A: There is no limit on how many wide receivers a team can keep. If a team wanted to use every one of its 53 roster spots on wide receivers, it could do so. Most teams keep five. Some will keep six, depending on special teams responsibilities. Many like to keep an extra wide receiver on the practice squad in order to help with running scout team plays. No players run more in practice than wide receivers, so they tend to get worn out more quickly than other players, and some also are subsequently vulnerable to lower body muscle pulls.

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