Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said he did not see the incident that led to his skipper eventually being ruled out of the game and into concussion protocols in Friday night's thriller.

The Adelaide skipper collided with young Bomber Nate Caddy during the third quarter of Adelaide's unforgettable triumph over Essendon, with Dawson's head making considerable contact with Caddy's shoulder and the Marvel Stadium turf.

Clearly shaken up by the play, Dawson remained on his haunches for some time, before medicos came to his assistance and pulled him off the field of play.

Shockingly, Dawson proceeded back onto the playing field for the start of the last quarter, a moment that may raise severe scrutiny over the Adelaide coaching staff and medical department.

With two head-knocks in the one play - one of which causing whiplash, the other causing the back of his head to bounce off the ground - it is shocking how the Crows skipper was allowed back onto the playing field, especially during the current state of affairs regarding concussion.

Dawson was eventually ruled out of the game and into concussion protocols, and Matthew Nicks addressed the incident post-match.

"I don't actually know... the incident that happened."

"I'll have to go back and we'll have a look at it. But we basically get the message upstairs at a point, I think during the last quarter, that Jordan has gone off and he won't be able to come back on."

"Unfortunately, I believe he's in protocols now, which means he won't be available next week."

"But, really it's his health that's most important."

The fallout could get far worse for the Crows despite the memorable win, with two defenders going down with what could be long-term injuries.

Nick Murray was ruled out in the opening term with what the club are praying is not another ACL for the 23-year-old.

"We're all trying to think positive thoughts at the moment. He has to have a scan on that," Nicks said on Murray's knee.

"I don't want to say we're confident, but we're going to stay really positive. As you can imagine he's quite emotional at the moment."

"Hopefully that one comes out the right way."

Jordon Butts was the other one ruled out with another recurring injury, coach Matthew Nicks left looking for positive in what could be a dour situation for his defensive troops.

"Buttsy sprained his foot and it's one that he's had a few issues with in the past," the Crows coach added.

"Similar to Murray, we're staying positive, and hopefully that one comes out the right way as well."

The club have since provided an update on the injuries to their two key defenders.

Butts has unfortunately suffered a lisfranc injury to his left foot and will miss an extended period.

Fortunately, scans have confirmed that Murray has avoided an ACL injury, with a best-case scenario being a return as early as next week.

โ€œUnfortunately, Jordon will miss some football but we need more information on the injury before knowing exactly how long he will be out for,โ€ Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said on Saturday.

โ€œIt is obviously disappointing for him, but he will require further assessment before any decision is made.โ€

โ€œWe are very pleased that the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) has not been ruptured and there is no significant damage to Nick's knee,โ€ Burgess added regarding Murray's hyperextension.

โ€œWe took a no-risk approach to sub him out on Friday night and he will consult his specialist this week about the next steps.

โ€œBest case scenario is he is available for selection next weekend, but again we will be conservative with him given his recovery from a knee reconstruction last year.โ€

Luckily Rory Laird's concern looks like a mere cork to the quad. The inside bull was forced to contribute up forward, given his limited explosive ability during the fourth quarter, but there seems to be no concern beyond a corky.

Nicks will warmly welcome in his All-Australian veteran next weekend following an extended break between matches, to compensate somewhat for his fallen troops on Friday night.

"Yeah Tex will be in, hopefully freshened up."

"We go 10-day break into next week... he'll come back in, bring that leadership ahead of the ball."