Derrick Johnson’s left knee has healed and he is poised to make a run for the New England Patriots’ roster.

Johnson, who played at the University of Maine, signed with the Patriots again Friday, five weeks after being released because of a sprained knee. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent in May.

In 2013, Johnson tied for the UMaine lead in receptions with 60 for 608 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games.

His signing gets him into the fold before the Patriots’ camp begins Thursday.

“I think I will still have my opportunity when preseason camp starts,” Johnson told the Press Herald last month. “As long as I’m 100 percent and can compete at a high level, I think I have a good chance of making the team.”

Johnson joins Mike Devito (Chiefs), Kendall James (Vikings), Jerron McMillian (Chiefs), Matthew Mulligan (Bears), Justin Perillo (Packers) and Montell Owens (Lions) as former Black Bears signed to NFL teams.

GOLF

LPGA: Laura Diaz maintained a three-shot lead through 36 holes at the Marathon Classic in Sylvania, Ohio, with a 69 following a 9-under 62 the day before.

SOCCER

MLS: Columbus Crew defender Josh Williams and midfielder Kingsley Baiden underwent rib and hip surgeries respectively that will sideline them for extended periods.

MOTORSPORTS

NASCAR: Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson, regulars in the Sprint Cup series, are driving in Saturday night’s Nationwide Series race in Joliet, Illinois, on the last off weekend for NASCAR’S top series this season.

No other notables from the Cup circuit will be on hand.

TENNIS

ISTANBUL CUP: Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark advanced to the semifinals after being taken to three sets by eighth-seeded Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic. Wozniacki won, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.

She was joined by second-seeded Roberta Vinci of Italy, who beat sixth-seeded Kurumi Nara of Japan, 6-0, 6-2.

HAMBURG OPEN: The 17-year-old Alexander Zverev made it to the semifinals of his hometown tournament by rallying past Tobias Kamke, 0-6, 7-5, 6-3.

HOCKEY

NHL: The Pittsburgh Penguins hired seven-time All-Star Mark Recchi as player development coach.

SAILING

AMERICA’S CUP: Australia’s Hamilton Island Yacht Club withdrew as the Challenger of Record in the America’s Cup, perhaps the first public sign of dissatisfaction with the direction that sailing’s marquee regatta is heading.

BASEBALL

FCBL: Matt Sanchez and Matt Mottola each homered, and Jake Mellin struck out six over seven innings for the host Nashua Silver Knights in a 6-0 victory against the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide.

Chandler Wagoner had a pair of hits for the Raging Tide.

NECBL: Matt Harris went 2 for 4 with a double, three RBI and one run scored to lead the Sanford Mainers (17-10) to a 7-0 win over the Valley Blue Sox (9-21) in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Christian Lavoie pitched five shutout innings to earn the win.

– From staff and wire reports

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