Caps senior writer Mike Vogel has announced via Twitter that forward Travis Boyd suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Blues. Boyd’s status is week-to-week.

Boyd’s injury effectively ends the battle for fourth line center, with summer acquisition Nic Dowd likely winning the spot.

The source of Boyd’s injury is unclear, but his last shift on Tuesday ended when he blocked a slapshot by defenseman Vince Dunn late in the third period.

Tuesday's 4-0 win over Blues took a toll on the #Caps. Center Travis Boyd is expected to miss some time a lower body injury, and is listed as week-to-week. Defenseman Michal Kempny is day-to-day with an upper body injury. — Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) September 27, 2018

Boyd was likely to be on the #Caps' opening night roster, so if he opens the season on IR, it could open the door for another player to land an Oct. 2 roster berth, depending on how many forwards the Caps opt to keep. — Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) September 27, 2018

Boyd played eight games for the Caps last season, recording one assist.

Vogel also reports that defenseman Michal Kempny is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, presumed to be a concussion.

As reported yesterday, Michal Kempny is believed to have a concussion. He’s “day-to-day,” but certainly makes things interesting for defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, who’s already impressed. — Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) September 27, 2018

In his place at practice Wednesday morning, Christian Djoos was skaing on the second pairing with John Carlson.

With Kempny (upper body) not practicing with Caps today, Djoos is with Carlson in second pair and Bowey with Orpik. — Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 27, 2018

Kempny was injured by defenseman Robert Bortuzzo. Bortuzzo will have a hearing on Thursday about the hit.

Headline photo: @Capitals