Shaw, 21, sustained a grade two tear to his left hamstring at training last week.
The 2012 NAB Rising Star nominee is expected to return to training within six to eight weeks, but won’t be ready to return to the playing field for two months, the minimum time required for an injury to be classified as ‘long-term’ by the AFL.
Adelaide's general manager of football administration, Phil Harper, said it was a disappointing setback for the promising defender.
“Sam is an important player in our team and we want to make 100 per cent sure he’s fit and ready to go for the second half of the season,” he said.
Shaw made his AFL debut against Greater Western Sydney in round four last year, playing 14 games for the season.
He earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his performance against Brisbane at the Gabba in round 21 and was rewarded with a new two-year contract.
The Crows have not named a replacement for Shaw on their senior list at this stage.
Adelaide’s rookie-listed players are Tim McIntyre, Rory Laird, Kyle Hartigan, Dylan Orval, Ben Dowdell, Tim Klaosen and Jack Osborn, who is recuperating from hip surgery.
