FOOTBALL

Panthers’ Morgan Out for Rest of Season

The lingering effects of multiple concussions have ended Dan Morgan’s season, but the Carolina Panthers’ star linebacker is determined to play again.

“Absolutely,” Morgan said yesterday. “I’m obviously frustrated, but I can turn that into a positive. I think that will make me that much more hungry to come back next season and have a great season.”

Morgan acknowledged he suffered a concussion in the Panthers’ opening exhibition game against Jacksonville, and then a month later in Carolina’s season-opener against Atlanta. The Panthers had not identified Morgan’s preseason injury as a concussion before, so it means he’s had at least six in his career.

Seahawks’ RB Alexander Out Sunday

League MVP Shaun Alexander will not play Sunday in Seattle’s NFC West showdown at St. Louis despite recent tests that show the crack in his foot has diminished.

The Seahawks’ coach, Mike Holmgren, declared Alexander out yesterday. Holmgren called him “iffy” on Monday after a new round of pictures of the left foot Alexander cracked September 24 during a win over the Giants showed some healing.

Now the Seahawks will hope to have last season’s NFL rushing leader return for their October 22 home game against Minnesota. Maurice Morris will make his second consecutive start for Alexander against the Rams.

HOCKEY

Wild Sign Coach Lemaire To Extension

Galvanized by an influx of talent and experience added to the roster in the off-season, Jacques Lemaire signed a multiyear contract extension yesterday to remain the coach of the Minnesota Wild.

Lemaire, who has led the Wild since their inaugural season in 2000, was in the final year of his deal. Terms of the new contract were not disclosed.

BASEBALL

Casey Could Miss Rest Of ALCS With Calf Injury

The Detroit Tigers first baseman, Sean Casey, has a partial tear in a muscle in his left calf and could miss the rest of AL championship series against the Oakland Athletics.

Casey injured himself in the sixth inning of Detroit’s win in the series opener and underwent an MRI exam yesterday that showed the small tear.

— Associated Press