MOBILE, Ala. — USC running back Stafon Johnson, who had his larynx crushed in a weightlifting accident early in the season, has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl announced Sunday that Johnson planned to participate in practices and the Jan. 30 showcase game for NFL prospects in Mobile, Ala.

According to a release, Johnson was recently cleared for football activities by doctors.

Johnson has not played since he dropped a barbell with 275 pounds on his neck on Sept. 28. He needed seven hours of reconstructive surgery immediately after the accident.

"This decision was made after extensive conversations with Stafon's family, coaches, medical team and personal trainer so that we were assured of his physical condition and readiness to participate in the Senior Bowl," Steve Hale, the Senior Bowl president, said in a news release.

Johnson finished his Southern California career with 1,552 yards and 19 touchdowns.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Toronto Blue Jays infielder Edwin Encarnacion was burned in the face by fireworks while celebrating the new year in his native Dominican Republic.Fiancee Jennifer Pena told The Associated Press that Encarnacion was released from the hospital Saturday and is resting at home. She said his injuries do not require surgery.

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico — Carlos Delgado went 1-for-4 Sunday night in his first game since undergoing hip surgery in May, an injury that ended his season with the New York Mets.The free agent slugger batted cleanup as the designated hitter for the Carolina Giants in Puerto Rico's winter league. His single came on a fly ball to short left field in the sixth inning.

BRISBANE, Australia — Justine Henin couldn't even reacher first post-match news conference since coming back from retirement before the talk of her winning an eighth Grand Slam singles title began in earnest.Henin beat second-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia 7-5, 7-5 on Monday in the first round of the Brisbane International, the former No. 1's first official tour match since announcing her comeback in September.Henin quit in May 2008 after having spent a combined 117 weeks at No. 1, winning seven majors, an Olympic gold medal and 41 WTA titles.Petrova said Henin was in better form than when she prematurely quit the tour and had no doubt the 27-year-old Belgian could win another Grand Slam title.