Massaquoi has cast removed from leg

BEREA (AP) — Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi has had the cast removed from his left leg and could be practicing soon.

Massaquoi was in a walking boot Wednesday. He arrived at training camp in a foot-to-knee cast, and the Browns have been reluctant to discuss his injury. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said earlier this week that the third-year wide receiver has a bone injury. Shurmur said it’s possible Massaquoi, who caught 36 passes last season, could practice next week.

Also, defensive end Jayme Mitchell was kept out practice with what Shurmur described as a sore knee.

Running back Montario Hardesty again worked on the side with trainers as he continues his comeback from knee surgery. Hardesty has yet to practice with the Browns this summer.

Reds’ Cozart to have

season-ending surgery

CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds rookie shortstop Zack Cozart will have reconstructive surgery on his non-throwing elbow, ending his chances of returning this season from an usual injury.

The 25-year-old rookie hurt his left elbow while making a tag at second base on July 23. He was on a rehabilitation program trying to get back this season, but continued to have pain and decided on the surgery. He’s expected to be recovered by spring training.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips was out of the lineup Wednesday with an injured left elbow, which was hit by a pitch in Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss to Colorado. X-rays were negative. Phillips tweeted that he could be sidelined for five days.

Braves’ Uggla hitting streak reaches 31

MIAMI (AP) — Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla has extended his hitting streak to 31 games with a single in the first inning against the Florida Marlins.

Uggla’s streak, which began on July 5, is the longest in the majors this season and is tied for the longest in Atlanta Braves history. Rico Carty hit in 31 straight in 1970. Tommy Holmes holds the franchise record with 37 straight with the Boston Braves in 1945.

Facing Anibal Sanchez, Uggla hit a line drive to center field to drive in two runs.

Uggla entered Wednesday night’s game batting .345 (41 of 119) with 12 homers and 27 RBIs during the streak.

Boise State fires

athletic director

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier, the man behind the iconic blue turf at the school’s football stadium and credited with a large role in the team’s rise to national prominence, has been let go as the school faces sanctions because of violations in the football program and other sports.

University President Bob Kustra announced Wednesday that Bleymaier’s career of almost 30 years at the school will end Sept. 8.

The football violations under review were committed between 2005 and 2008. The program already is dealing with several self-imposed penalties, including fewer scholarships for the next two years and reduced practice time. The NCAA has not yet announced whether even tougher sanctions will be imposed against the university.