Canterbury captain Josh Jackson will miss most of the NRL summer after undergoing shoulder surgery that will limit him for up to four months.
The club on Monday confirmed Jackson needed "stabilisation" on his right shoulder but he is expected to recover in time for their season-opener next year.
The Bulldogs also gave an update on star playmaker Kieran Foran, who will require two more weeks in rehabilitation for toe and wrist operations.
The 28-year-old made just 12 appearances in his maiden season at Belmore before being ruled out for the final three months due to injury.
Centre Kerrod Holland is the only other key player whose pre-season has been set back by injury, having gone under the knife to address an ankle injury.
He is expected to rejoin the main group by December.
Second-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner is pencilled in to be back for the club's pre-season return on November 1, having been sidelined since playing for New Zealand in Denver.
Regular first-graders Adam Elliott (wrist), Marcelo Montoya (hamstring) and Matt Frawley (foot) are also likely to be ready despite addressing minor concerns.
