Adelaide have lost Josh Rachele for four to six weeks after the talented forward fractured three ribs.
Rachele suffered a knee to the chest during a marking contest with North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri late in the first term of their 36-point over the Kangaroos.
He did not return to the game, with Crows coach Matthew Nicks in the aftermath admitting the 21-year-old was likely to miss at least one or two matches.
Scans later confirmed the rib fractures, but cleared Rachele of any other internal injuries.
"It's a disappointing blow for Josh and the team but unfortunately in a contact sport these injuries are sometimes hard to avoid," Crows high performance boss Darren Burgess said in a club statement.
"Fractured ribs are very painful so Josh will be given the time and space he needs to recover, and we will take a conservative approach to his rehabilitation and return to football."
Rachele has kicked six goals so far to help fire the Crows to an undefeated start to the season.
Sitting second, Adelaide will play fourth-placed Gold Coast away on Saturday.
