The Philadelphia Flyers will be without forward Wayne Simmonds for Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"Wayne will not play in tonight's game because of head and neck injuries suffered in last nights game. He will be re-evaluated tomorrow," said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren prior to the contest.

Simmonds left late in the first period of Friday's 3-2 loss in Washington and did not return after absorbing a hit to the head by Capitals defenseman John Erskine.

Erskine was not penalized on the play and faced a disciplinary hearing in New York Saturday afternoon. The 32-year-old rearguard was given a three-game suspension for his actions that was announced just prior to the drop of the puck.

"It's certainly disappointing, because we could use him in the lineup, because of his scoring, his physical presence, his roles in situations and the minutes he plays," said Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette.

At the first intermission, Holmgren downgraded Simmonds' injury to a concussion, according to the Inquirer.