Tyrone skipper Brian Dooher could miss the rest of the Championship

Dooher's absence is another major blow to Mickey Harte's squad who continue to defend their All-Ireland crown without Brian McGuigan and Stephen O'Neill.

Officially, Dooher is expected to be out for six weeks, but the injury could see him sidelined for much longer.

The injury was sustained two weeks ago during an collision in training.

Initially the injury was not thought to be too serious and Dooher was named on the bench for last week's drawn first round qualifier against Louth.

Tyrone are already depleted with McGuigan out for the year with a broken leg and O'Neill having a relapse of his hamstring problem.

Mickey Harte has also to plan without Joe McMahon, Ger Cavlan while Kevin Hughes is serving a four-week suspension.