Salisbury, Klingler to Start : NFL: Montana rejoins 49er practice squad with his arm improving.

Backup quarterbacks Sean Salisbury of the Minnesota Vikings and rookie David Klingler of the Cincinnati Bengals have been named to start in games next weekend.

Also, Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers has been added to the team’s practice squad after his surgically repaired right elbow showed improvement recently.

Coach Dennis Green of the Vikings named Salisbury, formerly of USC, to start over Rich Gannon against the Rams at Anaheim Stadium Sunday after Minnesota had only 10 first downs for the second consecutive week.

“I’ve worked for this for a long time,” Salisbury said. “I’m not going to play not to lose. I’m not going to be afraid to pull the trigger.”

Gannon started the first 11 games for the Vikings (8-3), who lead the NFC Central Division.

Esiason was benched by the Bengals four years after he took them to the Super Bowl and won the NFL’s MVP award.

Coach Dave Shula plans to start Klingler, the Bengals’ No. 1 draft choice, in the last five games since the Bengals (4-7) are out of playoff contention.

Klingler, who hasn’t taken a snap in a pro game, will make his first appearance Sunday against Pittsburgh at Riverfront Stadium.

Coach George Seifert said Montana, still on injured reserve, will be the 49ers’ scout team quarterback in practice.

Seifert made it clear that Steve Young, the top-rated quarterback in the league, is in no danger of losing his job.