HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says running back Arian Foster continues to be evaluated for a groin injury that will cause him to miss playing time. Foster was second in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2014 and sixth in rushing yards for the season, averaging 95.8 and finishing with 1,246. The Texans wouldn’t say how long Foster would be out, although they worked out free agent running backs Pierre Thomas, Ben Malena and Joe McKnight on Wednesday.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have activated All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas from the physically unable to perform list, an indication he could be ready for the regular-season opener. Thomas underwent offseason surgery after injuring his left shoulder in the NFL championship game against Green Bay.
TORONTO (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez has dropped his appeal of a three-game suspension for throwing at Kansas City’s Alcides (al-SEE’-dehs) Escobar in the eighth inning Sunday. Sanchez will begin serving the suspension Wednesday against Minnesota. He’ll be eligible to return Saturday, the second game of a pivotal weekend series in New York against the AL East-leading Yankees.
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers have finalized their contract with free-agent forward Richard Jefferson. He has averaged 13.9 points in his career and appeared in 105 playoff games. Last season, he averaged 5.8 points and 16.8 minutes in Dallas.
UNDATED (AP) — Las Vegas and Quebec City have advanced to the second of three phases in their bids to land NHL expansion franchises. Both bidding groups made the announcement through social media as they hope to expand the league to 32 teams, although the league isn’t expected to add teams for at least two more seasons. The Las Vegas group has already secured more than 13,200 season-ticket deposits for a potential team, and Quebec City is about to open a publicly-funded, 18,259-seat venue next month.
