Jeff Bolen isn't going to spend his time bawlin'.

That's despite the fact that the fifth-year Regina Thunder slotback could miss anywhere from two weeks to the entire season with what is believed to be a serious injury to his left knee.

While doctors are still waiting for swelling to go down to do a proper diagnosis, it is thought that Bolen tore at least the medial collateral ligament and possibly one or both of his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

"I'm hoping for the best ... but at the same time it's in the back of my head that it could be a year," said Bolen, who is still using crutches and a brace but began walking on the knee Thursday.

The injury occurred late in Regina's 21-16 loss to the Calgary Colts on Sunday. Bolen was running a crossing route and after catching the ball was hit low by one Colts defender and high by another.

"It's the same route I've done 100 times before," said Bolen, who held on to the ball after being tackled. "It's tough to tell, but it was definitely a helmet or a shoulder pad right in the knee. I knew right away it wasn't good."

If the injury is just the MCL Bolen could be out anywhere from two to eight weeks. If either of the other ligaments are damaged -- depending on the severity -- it could mean surgery or he could come back early and play with a brace.

No matter how long Bolen is out, it leaves some big holes in the Thunder lineup. Not only is Bolen the Prairie Football Conference's leading receiver with 23 catches for 354 yards, but he also serves at the Thunder's punter and placekicker.

"The potential is there for it to be a junior career-ending thing and it's very sad," said Thunder head coach Erwin Klempner. "He has some opportunities to play at the next level and he really held out (from jumping to university football) to come back to us to show leadership. He has done that. That's the part that really hurts."

Jonathan Probe, as he has done part-time this season, will handle all placekicking duties while Ben Koot will punt and kick off. Either Johnny Ottaviano or Camille Lagimodiere will start at slotback on Sunday when the Thunder plays host to the Edmonton Huskies at Mosaic Stadium.

The loss of Bolen will also cause some problems when the Thunder goes on the road. PFC teams are allowed to travel with 40 players and Regina can normally take an extra special-teamer because of Bolen pulling double duty. Having to take Koot just to punt eliminates that luxury.

While awaiting a diagnosis, Bolen doesn't plan to shy away from the leadership role he has taken on his back this season.

"He can be like another coach out here," said Klempner. "He has already indicated that he's prepared to do that and be out here helping the young guys."

"I just want to help out where I can and stay positive," added Bolen. "It's not going to help if I'm moping around, getting everybody else down."