The Carlton Football Club can confirm that co-vice captain Jacob Weitering has been discharged from hospital and cleared to return home to Melbourne this morning.

Weitering was stretchered from the field in the first quarter of Saturday night’s State of Origin game and was taken to hospital where he was assessed - and ultimately cleared - of any neck, spinal or major internal injury.

The 28-year-old does have some soreness around the chest area which requires further assessment and the Club will be in a position to provide a more accurate recovery timeline by the middle of the week, once he is further monitored by Blues medical staff in the coming days.

“First and foremost we are grateful Jacob is okay and has been cleared of any major injury - it is a positive outcome given the circumstances,” Blues GM of Football Chris Davies said.

“While Jacob is feeling sore this morning, he has avoided significant damage, so we will manage him as needed while we ramp up our preparations for the start of the season.

“Although that moment in the game was unfortunate, it does not take away from the fact that our football club is incredibly proud of both Jacob and Patrick for earning the honour to represent their respective states. It is a fantastic career achievement that both Jacob and Patrick can hold dear to them for the remainder of their careers.”