Newsmakers

Injured No. 1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney is recovering from sports hernia surgery. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien disclosed the procedure Friday and said Clowney had been struggling with a groin issue. O’Brien said the standout from South Carolina was sent to a specialist in Philadelphia. The surgery was performed Thursday. O’Brien expects Clowney to be ready for the start of Houston’s training camp, which begins in late July.

Released The Kansas City Chiefs released cornerback Brandon Flowers, shortly after finishing up three weeks of voluntary workouts in which the former starter was conspicuously absent. Kansas City has been bumping up against the salary cap, so the move to part ways with Flowers was largely expected.

• The Detroit Lions cut cornerback Chris Houston with four years left on his contract. The Lions said that a “significant medical procedure” led to Houston’s release. Houston was limited to 12 games last season because of toe and foot injuries. The ailments appeared to hurt his play when he was on the field. Houston had not attended offseason workouts so far this year under new coach Jim Caldwell.

Hired The Minnesota Timberwolves again hired Sidney Lowe as an assistant coach for the staff being assembled by Flip Saunders. The Wolves announced the addition of Lowe, who will coach with Saunders for the fourth time. Lowe had two previous stints under Saunders in Minnesota and also once in Detroit. Saunders, who has been president of basketball operations for the Wolves for the past year, decided to make himself the head coach, too, after his search hit a dead end.

Departed Former five-star quarterback Jake Heaps, wide receiver Andrew Turzilli and running back Darrian Miller have left the Kansas football program, coach Charlie Weis announced.