Winger Mitchell Scott's season appears over, big import Louise Conradie also has a cloud hanging over his future and skipper Michael Collins is still battling a groin issue.
Otago opened its season with a hard-fought 41-21 win over Thames Valley in Wanaka in its first Ranfurly Shield defence.
It was Otago's first successful shield defence in more than 60 years, so that was something to celebrate. It was a successful day in Wanaka with a big crowd watching the match.
But there were casualties. Scott left the field in the first half and coach Ben Herring confirmed yesterday he had torn a pectoral muscle.
Scott was waiting for the swelling to go down but his future was not good. Herring said Scott had worked hard and was in great condition going into the season.
Winger Josh Timu had also injured his ankle in the game and was likely to miss a few weeks.
There had been other bumps and bruises from the game and many players had experienced cramps, which was something of a surprise.
Captain Collins did not play in Wanaka and was still bothered by a groin injury that had plagued him for much of the Super Rugby season. Rest was the most likely option for him and Otago was taking a wait-and-see approach.
Outside back Vilimoni Koroi was making progress from his hamstring injury and was a chance to play against North Otago on July 26.
South African lock Lousie Conradie fractured his sternum in a club rugby match, running into Otago forward Sione Misiloi.
The worst-case scenario was he was out for the season but reports received yesterday were that the injury was not as bad as first feared. He could still play this season and Otago was not looking for another lock.