ADELAIDE forward Josh Jenkins has breathed a sigh of relief with scans on his knee revealing he has not damaged his ACL and will miss only four-to-six weeks.
Jenkins went down in the final seconds of Thursday night's important win over Richmond after hyperextending his leg and the worst was feared when he was carted from Adelaide Oval.
But the four-goal hero has avoided a serious injury and should be back later this season.
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"Scans today have confirmed Josh has sustained a lateral ligament and capsular injury with bony bruising due to the extreme nature of last night’s hyperextension injury," science and medical services coordinator Steve Saunders said.
"We expect Josh to complete his rehabilitation in 4-6 weeks and will update as progress is made."
Josh Jenkins had to be stretchered off the ground after the siren due to this incident. #AFLCrows Tigers pic.twitter.com/4ndt11dnuS
— AFL (@AFL) June 13, 2019
The news was also promising for star full-back Daniel Talia (quad), Lachlan Murphy (mouth) and Jake Kelly (leg) after they went down during the clash.
Talia has bruising to his thigh and missed the majority of the second half, but will be available after the bye against League leaders Geelong.
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"Daniel’s scans confirmed a quadricep muscle injury following contusion to the thigh," Saunders said.
"Although unable to return to play on last night, he will be available to play after the bye."
Murphy underwent emergency dental care after three teeth were loosened in a friendly fire clash with captain Taylor Walker in the first term, and will also be available against the Cats.
Lachlan Murphy as headed to the rooms in a tracksuit top. #AFLCrowsTigers pic.twitter.com/e18Ne95Fpa
— AFL (@AFL) June 13, 2019
Kelly came off late due to leg soreness, but the defender has avoided major damage.
"(He) sustained a lower leg contusion in a collision last night that prevented him taking any further part in the game," Saunders said.
"Jake had lost the ability to change direction, jump and land as his calf and deep shin musculature were involved.
"Following MRI and improved clinical presentation today, we expect him to recover well and be available for Geelong also."