Patriots bring receiver Nunn aboard

The Patriots signed wide receiver Terrence Nunn yesterday, putting them at the league roster limit. They have 92 players; the limit this time of year is 80, but draft picks don't count against the roster until they're signed. The Patriots have 12 unsigned picks. The 22-year-old Nunn finished his career at the University of Nebraska in 2008 second on the school's all-time receptions list with 136 for 1,762 yards and 11 touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2008 and failed to hook on with a team. He worked out with Nebraska's 2009 draft-eligible players at the school's Pro Day in March. The 6-foot, 190-pounder was one of three wide receivers the Patriots had in for tryouts last week.

Minnesota is still considering Favre

Vikings president Mark Wilf said the team is interested in signing retired quarterback Brett Favre. ``He's a Hall of Fame quarterback. He's a great competitor,'' Wilf said. ``Ultimately, you'll have to ask Brett what his plans are, but sure there's interest in Brett Favre. But again, it's part of a process we have in general with any of our players. We're always looking to make our team better.'' . . . The Vikings and Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield are no longer talking about a new contract. Winfield's agent, Ashanti Webb, said negotiations on an extension have reached an impasse . . . Free agent tight end Michael Gaines and the Bears agreed on a one-year contract.

NBA

Lakers' Odom (back) may miss Game 5

Lakers forward Lamar Odom is questionable for tonight's Western Conference semifinals Game 5 against the Rockets after an MRI and CT scan showed he has a bruised lower back. Odom left Sunday's game after colliding with Shane Battier and landing hard on the court . . . Jay Triano signed a three-year contract to coach the Raptors, dropping the interim tag. He took over the team Dec. 3 following Sam Mitchell's dismissal . . . 76ers' interim coach Tony DiLeo withdrew his name from consideration for the permanent job. Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski said DiLeo decided to return to his old job in the front office as a senior vice president and assistant general manager . . . The Kings plan to interview former Celtics player Paul Westphal, who is the Mavericks' executive vice president of basketball operations, for their head coaching vacancy. The Kings also plan to interview former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan . . . The Warriors let go executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin, and replaced him with Larry Riley, the longtime assistant to coach Don Nelson . . . Mark Bartelstein, the agent for the Pacers' Danny Granger, said he was in contact with league officials and expects the All-Star forward to win the Most Improved Player award.

HOCKEY

Lightning stick with Tocchet as coach

The Lightning removed the interim tag from Rick Tocchet, giving him a three-year contract as head coach. He took over in mid-November after Barry Melrose was fired . . . Defenseman Brian Rafalski practiced and said he could be in the lineup tonight for the Red Wings in Game 6 against the Ducks. Rafalski has been sidelined throughout the series with an upper-body injury . . . Stars forward Mike Modano, the highest-scoring US-born player in NHL history, said he will return for a 20th season . . . Bruce Levenson, one of the Thrashers' owners, says the team has ``several inquiries'' from possible investors but adds the talks do not include moving the team from Atlanta . . . The host Providence Bruins beat the Worcester Sharks, 4-3, to take a 3-2 series lead in their AHL playoff series.

HORSE RACING

Rachel Alexandra in Preakness field

Superstar filly Rachel Alexandra will run against the boys in Saturday's Preakness, the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Pimlico vice president Mike Gathagan said there are 13 horses, including Rachel Alexandra, expected to enter the race. The field will be set by noon tomorrow. The entry of the Kentucky Oaks winner saves the industry from a public relations nightmare after several owners - including Mine That Bird's Mark Allen and Pioneerof the Nile's Ahmed Zayat - considered taking steps to keep the filly from joining the field, which is capped at 14 . . . Kentucky racing officials say no horse tested positive for steroids or other banned drugs at the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.

MISCELLANY

Knee injury sidelines Serena Williams

Serena Williams pulled out of the Madrid Open after aggravating an injury to her right knee during a first-round match against Francesca Schiavone. The second-seeded Williams retired after losing the first set, 6-4. She declined to detail the extent of the problem, but said it would not keep her out of the French Open . . . All-Star center fielder Josh Hamilton said his left rib cage muscles ``felt good'' and he will return to the Rangers today . . . Indianapolis 500 rookie Mike Conway was released from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis a day after sustaining a mild concussion when he crashed during practice for the May 24 race.