Sidney Crosby’s Neck Injury Diagnosis Confirmed By Pittsburgh Penguins

In addition to a concussion, Sidney Crosby did suffer a neck injury, the Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed on Saturday. Earlier in the day, reports surfaced indicating a second doctor had found Crosby suffered C1 and C2 vertebrae damage, possibly fractures, a diagnosis the Penguins confirmed had been made shortly thereafter.

Here’s the statement in full:

The diagnosis of Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist based in Los Angeles, is that Sidney Crosby had suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Dr. Bray reports that the neck injury is fully healed. Those findings will be evaluated by independent specialists over the next few days. The most important goal all along has been Sidney’s return to full health, and we are encouraged that progress continues to be made.

The statement is worded carefully and it’s unclear what was known and when. According to the earlier reports, Crosby was upset with the Pittsburgh doctors and only learned of the neck injury after recently visiting a specialist. He was set to have a third doctor check his neck to confirm the findings, as well, and it appears from the Penguins statement that Crosby will be evaluated by doctors with no connection to the team.

It’s also important to note that the doctor who evaluated Crosby believes his injury is fully healed. This bodes well for the Penguins’ star’s future and could mean he, and the team, dodged a bullet.