An ugly start for Essendon has been worsened by what appears to be a serious injury to Mason Redman.
The 28-year-old was helped from the field, and will take no further part after retreating to the Bombers' rooms on crutches and with his left knee heavily iced.
The club have provided an update, believing the injury to be a torn left meniscus, which necessitates a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines, under usual circumstances.
Further damage will obviously push the veteran's return to play timeline back further.
Bombers doctors have been run off their feet in the last 12 months, as an injury crisis, the likes of which are rarely seen, grips the Tullamarine natives.
The injury to the reliable defender compounded a horrific start for Essendon, who were behind by more than five goals by the first change, just a week after turning in an uncompetitive performance against Hawthorn.
The Bombers will undoubtedly send Redman for scans upon their return to Melbourne.
Over the course of his career, Redman has overcome numerous complaints to be a reliable and durable contributor to his side. His absence will surely make the Bombers' quest to break their considerable losing streak that much taller a task.
