St George Illawarra star Corey Norman will undergo surgery on Tuesday after scans confirmed a fractured cheekbone suffered in Sunday's loss to Parramatta.
The club was unable to put a timeframe on Norman's return, however it is understood he could be out for up to eight weeks.
His absence means a likely call-up for youngster Jai Field in what will be his season debut in Magic Round against the Warriors.
Norman came off midway through the second half of their 32-18 loss to the Eels following a heavy collision with winger Maika Sivo.
Tyson Frizell played just 20 minutes before he also succumbed to an eye issue, however his injury isn't considered serious and is likely to play in Brisbane.
Frizell returned after copping a poke in the eye from a teammate, only to last another ten minutes before bowing out of the game for good.
"He obviously got a boot in the eye or a finger in the eye. There's a bit of blurred vision and a bit of a cut. We'll wait and see," coach Paul McGregor said.
The Norman injury is of major concern, adding to a casualty ward that also includes skipper and playmaker Gareth Widdop.
It is a hammer blow for a Dragons side that is now tentatively in eighth spot.
"With Gareth out, Jack (de Belin) not available, and Korbin (Sims) out, and now Tyson and Normy, yeah, it's not great," McGregor said.
Field, 21, will now be expected to be named alongside Ben Hunt on Tuesday in what will be just the seventh NRL game of his career.
Asked about a likely halves combination to face the Warriors next week, McGregor said: "I haven't given it any thought, I'm sorry.
"Jai's been our 18th man in the last 4-5 weeks so he's available. He's playing some good footy in reserve grade. More than likely, young Jai Field."
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