Andy McGrath sent to hospital with likely broken jaw as injuries ravage Essendon

Essendon have been dealt a triple injury blow during their game against Richmond on Friday night.

Sam Durham, Matt Guelfi and Andrew McGrath were all ruled out before half-time in the MCG clash, where Richmond downed the Bombers 10.14 (74) to 7.14 (56).

Durham was accidentally kneed in the head by Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch, leaving the game early in the first quarter with a concussion.

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While he initially attempted to stay on the field, Essendon medical staff quickly called him to the bench and took him down the tunnel for further assessment.

The club then confirmed a concussion for Durham, ruling him out for the rest of the game and next week's match against West Coast.

Before the Bombers could re-adjust, they were hit with a second injury blow as Guelfi pulled up sore after a sprint.

It was confirmed the forward had suffered a hamstring injury, ending his night prematurely.

"That's real trouble for the Bombers potentially," Fox Footy's Anthony Hudson said on the double blow for the club.

McGrath, Essendon's captain, became the third casualty of the half after copping an accidental elbow from Jonty Faull straight to the face.

Earlier in the game, the Bombers skipper copped a blow to the head in a marking contest against Jasper Alger.

"They're holding his jaw down here," Eddie Betts told Fox Footy.

"Andy McGrath has a suspected broken jaw and we've got Bombers players down here (on the boundary) trying to come to the bench, but they're telling them to stay on."

The club confirmed the skipper was sent to the hospital during half time after coughing up blood from his mouth.