By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Next to getting two footballs into the game, Marvin Lewis said offensive coaches are trying to figure out a way to use Rudi Johnson and Corey Dillon at the same time.

"We're experimenting," the Bengals coach said Wednesday.

Dillon, a three-time Pro Bowl tailback, has battled an abdominal muscle injury for most of the season. But he is getting healthy and was not listed Wednesday on the official injury report for the first time since Week 2.

Johnson has rushed for 100 yards in three of his four starts and 247 in the past two games.

"No question I think Rudi deserves an opportunity to play, as well as . . . obviously Corey is our starter. We'll look at that down the road, too," Lewis said.

Lewis also said he has not decided whether Dillon or Johnson will start Sunday at San Diego.

Lewis was asked if two featured backs could co-exist.

"I think right now they can until Corey feels 100 percent healthy," Lewis said. "He's been very gracious through this whole thing, particularly in his affection for Rudi and what Rudi is doing."

Dillon had a forecast for defenses that might face him and Johnson in combination.

"Somebody is going to get a heavy dose of pain," Dillon said.

Johnson has said he will do whatever coaches ask of him.

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