Penrith backrower Bryce Cartwright could play in Saturday's NRL clash with Sydney Roosters after being cleared of a serious ankle injury.

It was feared Cartwright would miss a month after sustaining the knock in the Panthers' 36-2 away win over Wests Tigers yesterday.

Cleared of serious injury: Bryce Cartwright Credit:Getty Images

But scans on Monday revealed the 22-year-old has bone bruising - a far less serious diagnosis than the initial expectations of a fracture.

The injury threatened to exacerbate a trying period for the talented forward, whose name has been dragged through the mud over allegations he forced a former partner to have an abortion.