Patriots add QB in ex-Packer Flynn

The New England Patriots have signed Matt Flynn to shore up the quarterback position with Tom Brady facing a four-game suspension.

That suspension could be reduced after Brady’s hearing with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on June 23, but Flynn provides depth at a spot where the Patriots have only second-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Patriots signed Flynn one day after releasing quarterback Garrett Gilbert, a sixth-round pick last year by the St. Louis Rams who was added to New England’s practice squad Dec. 17.

Meantime, former Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes was cited by state police for rear-ending another vehicle on a Massachusetts highway early Sunday morning then leaving the scene. Spikes, 27, is accused of leaving the scene of an accident causing injury, speeding and driving negligently.

Bucs: Claimed tight end Tim Wright off waivers a day after he was released by New England. Tampa had traded Wright to the Patriots before last season for Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins.

Saints: Signed veteran defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who spent last season in Seattle.

ODDS AND ENDS

Tennis: Top-seeded Rafael Nadal overcame stiff resistance from Bernard Tomic to reach the semifinals of the Mercedes Cup with a 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory in Stuttgart, Germany. Nadal will next play fourth-seeded Gael Monfils, who beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Also, second-seeded Marin Cilic served 19 aces to rally past qualifier Mischa Zverev 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) and set up a semifinal against eighth-seeded Viktor Troicki, who beat Sam Groth 7-6 (3), 6-1.

Horse racing: American Pharoah “looks like the picture of health,” trainer Bob Baffert said after the Triple Crown champion went for his first gallop at Churchill Downs after winning the Belmont on Saturday.

College baseball: Arkansas outfielder Andrew Benintendi was named as the recipient of the Dick Howser Trophy as the top player in the nation.