CINCINNATI - Corey Dillon wasn't listed on the Cincinnati Bengals' injury report Wednesday, an indication that the running back is no longer severely limited by a strained groin.

Now, coach Marvin Lewis is trying to figure out how to get Dillon and Rudi Johnson in the same backfield. Johnson emerged as an up-and-coming star while Dillon was sidelined.

''We're experimenting with trying to come up with a way to put them both in there,'' Lewis said Wednesday. ''Rudi deserves an opportunity to play as well. Obviously Corey's our starter. We'll look at that down the road, too.''

Dillon is one of only four NFL players to run for 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons. He hasn't played much since suffering the groin injury, and has only 229 yards.

While Dillon recovered, Johnson turned into the fans' favorite in Cincinnati. They chanted his first name as he ran a club-record 43 times for 182 yards in a victory Nov. 9 over Houston, and again as he ran for 165 yards in a win over Kansas City last Sunday.

Dillon and Johnson split playing time in the first half against the Chiefs. Dillon's groin tightened at halftime, so he watched Johnson finish the game. Dillon had 21 yards on six carries.

Lewis plans to use both of them for now. He declined to reveal who would start Sunday in San Diego, but said there would be no problem with the two of them sharing the job.

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

Frustrated that he wasn't getting the ball more, Dillon said last month that he wants out of Cincinnati because he feels unappreciated.