Collingwood have confirmed that key defender Jeremy Howe has been cleared of any further injury after a nauseating head-clash with Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe on Friday night, quashing the worst injury fears for the veteran.
Howe did suffer a concussion, however, and will enter the AFL's concussion protocols, ruling him out of action for at least 12 days.
Howe and Newcombe collided in the opening minute of Collingwood's 64-point loss to Hawthorn, leaving the 35-year-old veteran unconscious for a worryingly long period of time. He was sent to the hospital for precautionary scans shortly after being taken from the field, where the club learned the good news.
"Jeremy, unfortunately, sustained a concussion early in last night's game. In positive news, subsequent scans overnight have cleared him of any further injury," Magpies Executive General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner delivered on Friday.
"Jeremy has since returned home and is recovering well. He will work through the concussion protocols with the support of our medical team."
Play has stopped following this collision between Jeremy Howe and Jai Newcombe.#AFLHawksPies pic.twitter.com/FRtfIxXwx7
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 7, 2025
Collingwood's defence will need to once again find a way to battle on without Howe for the next fortnight, having conceded on average 84.5 points in games without him in the lineup. When Howe does play, Collingwood allows just 72.1 points per game, highlighting his immense importance to their premiership hopes.
