Young Returns Against Bengals

Steve Young, sidelined the last three games because of a groin strain, will return to the lineup Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers play the Cincinnati Bengals.

“As far as the medical people, in visiting with them, they felt he was ready to go, he feels as though he’s ready to go, so he’s going,” Coach George Seifert said.

Young last played Sept. 22, when he aggravated the groin injury during the 23-7 loss at Carolina. He originally was injured at the end of a scramble Sept. 8 against St. Louis.

During the absence of the two-time league most valuable player, the 49ers went 2-1 with Elvis Grbac at quarterback.

“I’ve got to now play the rest of the season,” Young said. “I can’t be tweaking it or be going in and out of the lineup.”

Quarterback, however, won’t be the only backfield position subject to change for the 49ers this week. Ankle sprains to fullback Tommy Vardell and halfback Terry Kirby make them questionable.

Anthony Lynn will make his first NFL start if Vardell can’t play and William Floyd also will play. Floyd hasn’t played since severely injuring his knee last Oct. 29 against New Orleans.

Derek Loville will start at halfback if Kirby is unable to go.

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Dallas Cowboy receiver-cornerback Deion Sanders, who sprained his left ankle Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, participated in defensive drills only, but had a noticeable limp.

Meanwhile, Pro Bowl defensive end Charles Haley, who has been sidelined the last three games because of a sore back, did some conditioning and rehab work, but his availability for Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons remains in doubt.