Sidney Crosby suffered a neck injury in addition to the concussions that have plagued him for the better part of two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced late Saturday, amid speculation the 24-year-old had an abnormality between two vertebrae.
A short news release from the team said Dr. Robert Bray, a Los Angeles-based neurological spine specialist, diagnosed the injury, which has fully healed.
According to the statement, Bray's findings will be evaluated by independent specialists in the coming 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 concluded.
The statement did not offer details about the nature of Crosby's injury, including when he was injured or when it healed. However, media reports suggested that an MRI showed an abnormality between Crosby's C1 and C2 vertebrae.
Earlier Saturday, Penguins General Manager Ray Shero said the team will continue to monitor Crosby's progress before deciding next steps.
"Hopefully we'll see next week as to where he is and we'll get the reports from California and compare notes to what's been done so far," Shero said. "We want to continue to look to see how we can get this under control and manageable so he can return to play."
Crosby was knocked out of the 2010-2011 season on Jan. 5, 2011, when a Victor Hedman hit slammed him into the boards and out of the game. Crosby was also hit hard during the Winter Classic on Jan. 1.
Crosby made a highly publicized return to the game this season in November, but a hit in a Dec. 5 game against Boston ended his comeback. The Cole Harbour, N.S. native scored two goals, 10 assists and had a plus-7 rating in the eight games he played this season.
Crosby skated with the Penguins earlier this month before heading to Atlanta to visit a Canadian-born doctor who specializes in chiropractic neurology.
The team announced that Crosby spent several days with Dr. Ted Carrick, whose treatment focused on motion and balance.
With files from The Canadian Press
