Stephen Crichton injury update after frightening Bulldogs scenes

Stephen Crichton has avoided the nightmare scenario feared by Bulldogs fans after being stretchered from the field on Sunday, with the club receiving encouraging news on the extent of their captain’s injury.

The star centre left the field in concerning scenes during Canterbury’s loss to Canberra after remaining down following a tackle and requiring assistance from medical staff before being taken from the ground on a stretcher and in a neck brace.

Initial fears centred around a potentially serious neck or spinal injury after Crichton temporarily lost feeling in one arm, prompting officials to take every precaution before transporting him from the field.

Thankfully for both Crichton and the Bulldogs, further medical assessment has reportedly ruled out any significant structural damage, with the issue instead believed to be related to nerve irritation around the neck and shoulder.

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The encouraging diagnosis means Canterbury is now hopeful its captain will avoid a lengthy stint on the sidelines, with an early return as soon as next round even considered a possibility if he continues to progress well over the coming days.

That would come as a massive boost for the Bulldogs, who can ill afford to lose one of their best players after a humiliating loss to the Raiders relegated them back to 11th on the competition ladder and left them fighting to keep their season alive.

While Sunday’s defeat to the Raiders was a disappointing result, the positive news surrounding Crichton’s health may ultimately prove to be the biggest outcome of the afternoon for Bulldogs fans, who feared the worst when their captain was taken from the field.

Stephen Crichton injury update after frightening Bulldogs scenes

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