Tom Lynch will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a fractured jaw, while defender Matt Jaensch will have scans on suspected broken ribs.

Lynch was hit front-on by Demon Jack Viney early in the opening term, sandwiching him between Viney and Melbourne defender Alex Georgiou. The clash left both Lynch and Georgiou subbed to be assessed for concussion. Georgiou returned to the field but Lynch was subbed out and taken to hospital where scans revealed the break.

The Crows forward was playing just his third game back from a dislocated shoulder sustained on the eve of the season, after missing the start of the pre-season due to foot surgery.

“I’m really shattered for Tommy Lynch. He can’t take a trick at the moment,” said coach Brenton Sanderson.

“He was injured in the pre-season. He came back and dislocated his shoulder in his first game back and then breaks his jaw today. I’m disappointed for him.”

Sanderson said Taylor Walker and Andy Otten, who will both play in Adelaide’s SANFL clash with Port Magpies in Clare on Sunday, were in the mix to replace the injured Lynch.

“Lynchy was one of our best players last week. He’s a key player for us,” Sanderson said.

“We’ve got a few guys playing tomorrow, so whether it’s Taylor Walker or Andy Otten, who has played a bit forward and played that role really well. We’ve got some options.”

Jaensch suffered a heavy knock to his ribs in the second quarter. He was able to continue playing for a short time, but didn’t take part in the second half. The Club will provide an update on his injury when one is available.

In better news, midfielder Richard Douglas is available to take on Collingwood in Round Nine after serving a two-game suspension. Adelaide has a bye next weekend.