Collingwood has announced that ruck-forward Darcy Cameron will miss six to eight games after suffering a high-grade MCL sprain against Richmond on Friday night.
Scans revealed the unfortunate news for the 27-year-old, who had made a striking start to the 2023 season, helping his Magpies win each of their opening three matches.
Pies football boss Graham Wright confirmed the extent of Cameron's ailment, expressing his disappointment in the outcome in a club statement.
"We are all disappointed for Darcy who at this stage will miss around six to eight weeks after he enjoyed such a strong start to this season," Wright said.
"Darcy is an absolute professional who we know will be dedicated in his approach to his rehabilitation and we expect to see him return to the senior side in the second half of the season."
With fellow key-position assets Mason Cox and Aidan Begg also sidelined, Supplemental Selection Period signing Oscar Steene presents as Collingwood's only current healthy ruckman, leaving senior coach Craig McRae with a potential selection headache going forward.
The Pies will look to go four wins from four games next week when they face the Brisbane Lions at The Gabba on Thursday night.