NFL

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson out for season with torn Achilles tendon

Thompson, a key cog for the Panthers’ defense since 2015, was a player the team could ill-afford to lose. The linebacker has almost always been one of the better players in the league at his position, but the 30-year-old was having arguably his best season this year, recording 35 tackles through four games.

The long-time Panther is a free agent following this season, and with the state of the organization, it’s fair to wonder if he’s played his last down with the team that drafted him.

Steelers G James Daniels out for season with torn Achilles tendon

Good thing Pittsburgh spent the past two drafts investing in its offensive line. Between injuries to Isaac Seumalo, Troy Fautanu and now Daniels, the Steelers are ravaged up front, making life harder for an already limited offense.

The 27-year-old Daniels has been a mauler in the run game this season, so expect Najee Harris’ performance to dip some.

Packers WR Christian Watson out for several weeks with high-ankle sprain

Including Watson, the Packers have a well-rounded quartet of wide receivers, so the team should be able to sustain losing its top deep threat. The 25-year-old hasn’t exactly improved since an exciting rookie season in 2022 — Watson has just five receptions for 80 yards this season.

Jayden Reed is now the alpha in Green Bay’s receiver room, but more will be expected from Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks in wake of Watson’s injury. Doubs and Wicks are capable — the duo just needs to be more consistent.

MLB

Giants fire president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and hire Buster Posey

Under Zaidi’s watch, the Giants went 107-55 in 2021, looking ripe to overtake the Dodgers for good in the NL West. That season proved to be a mirage, however, as San Francisco never finished over. 500 in any other season during his tenure. For a club armed with the Giants’ budget, that shouldn’t happen.

San Francisco shouldn’t be looking at a rebuild — or even a retool — under Posey, as the franchise has decent veteran talent, combined with a nice batch of youngsters. This is a solid situation for Posey to walk into, even if the team is coming off an 80-82 campaign.

Grade: B