Bears bulk up with free agent Jenkins
The Bears signed hulking John Jenkins to a one- year deal Friday, adding depth behind starting nose tackle Eddie Goldman.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace was part of the front office for the New Orleans Saints when they selected the Georgia alum in the third round of the 2013 draft. He started 22 of 49 games for them before being released in November. Jenkins, 27, finished last season with the Seattle Seahawks, appearing in two games.
The 6- 3, 359- pounder becomes the Bears’ heaviest defensive player by more than 20 pounds. His size has helped him gain a reputation as a runstuffer. He has only 1 ½ career sacks.
Jenkins — who played alongside new teammate Akiem Hicks in New Orleans — is the first defensive lineman the Bears have signed during the free- agency period. Patrick Finley
Quarterback Geno Smith is switching teams in the Jersey Meadowlands. Smith reportedly has agreed to terms with the Giants, pending passing a physical. Smith, 26, was a secondround choice of the New York Jets in 2013, but his stint with them was marred by injuries and inconsistency.
The Giants signed star defensive end Jason Pierre- Paul to a four- year contract worth about $ 68 million.
Birdie binge puts Hoffman in front
In only his fourth appearance in the Arnold Palmer Invitational over the last decade, Charley Hoffman made seven birdies in slightly warmer conditions in Orlando, Florida, for a 6- under 66 that gave him a one- shot lead over Emiliano Grillo.
Grillo made two eagles on his opening nine, holing a 35- yard bunker shot on the par- 5 12th and chipping in from just off the green on the par- 5 16th en route to a 68. Matt Fitzpatrick had four birdies on the back nine at Bay Hill for a 69 and was two shots behind. Hoffman was at 10- under 134. Healthy and confident again,
Michelle Wie is in contention in the LPGA Tour’s Bank of Hope Founders Cup in Phoenix. She shot a 5- under 67 at Desert Ridge to enter the weekend a stroke behind leaders Stacy Lewis and Ariya Jutanugarn.
Puerto Rico tops U. S. in WBC
Puerto Rico advanced to the championship round of the World Baseball Classic with a 6- 5 victory over the United States in San Diego. Brandon Crawford hit a two- run triple in the ninth to close the gap, butJosh Harrison struck out to end the game. The U. S. plays the Dominican Republic at 9 p.m. Saturday for a berth in the next round.
Texas Rangers pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez, who had been in contention for the fifth spot in the rotation, has been diagnosed with a partial tear of a ligament in his right elbow and will not throw for at least six weeks.
Joey Logano won the pole for the NASCAR Camping World 500 on Sunday in Avondale, Arizona. Logano’s day began with ameeting with Kyle Busch and NASCAR officials about the crash and subsequent scuffle last week.
Tomas Nosek of the Grand Rapids Griffins scored with nine seconds left to force overtime and Evgeny Svechnikov’s goal in overtime sealed a 5- 4 victory against the visiting Wolves. Petteri Lindbohm had scored with 1: 51 remaining in regulation to give the Wolves a 4- 3 lead.