THE CANADIAN PRESS

HAMILTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos will have to make do the rest of their season without star receiver Jason Tucker.

The CFL club announced Saturday that Tucker, 32, will undergo season-ending neck surgery within the next two days after being injured during Edmonton's 19-13 road win in Hamilton on Friday night. Tucker was hurt on the final play of the third quarter after colliding with Tiger-Cats defensive back Jykine Bradley.

Tucker was examined on the field by medical personnel and was experiencing high neck and back pain as well as tingling in his right hand, the club said. However, he had a full range of motion in all limbs.

Tucker was stablized, placed on a backboard and then taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Further testing determined the extent of Tucker's injuries.

"Jason suffered a C6-C7 fracture dislocation, a disruption of the normal stability of the neck," Eskimos physician Jeff Robinson said in a statement. "This is often associated with spinal cord injuries but fortunately that is not the case here.

"This is an unstable fracture that could cause nerve damage so it's very important that it be stabilized. This is a catastrophic injury. However, Jason should make a full and complete recovery."

Robinson said Tucker continues to experience tingling in his right hand but that the veteran receiver has "sensation everywhere else and full range of motion in his limbs."

"He is alert, comfortable and fully aware of the extent of his injuries."

Tucker remains in hospital in Hamilton and will undergo surgery there. The Eskimos returned home Saturday but president Rick LeLacheur stayed back to be with Tucker.

"An injury like this very quickly puts into perspective this game of football," said Eskimos head coach Danny Maciocia. "Jason means so much to this team.

"His tremendous skill and determined leadership inspire us all. The entire Eskimos family sends its love and prayers to Jason and his family for a swift and full recovery."

Tucker is in his seventh season with the Eskimos. He was a sixth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998 but his stay with the club was a short one.

He appeared in one exhibition game and after suffering a hamstring ailment reached an injury settlement with the Bengals. He was added to the Green Bay Packers' practice roster later that season.

After spending the '99 campaign with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe, Tucker cracked the Dallas Cowboys roster that year. However, he was released prior to the 2001 campaign.

Tucker has been part of two Grey Cup-winning teams in Edmonton (2003, '05) and was named the game MVP in 2003.