Scans on Monday confirmed that Elliott had a dislocated shoulder, which would require a shoulder reconstruction and a predicted recovery period of five to six months.

The Bulldogs confirmed that Elliott will undergo surgery next week.

The Tathra export suffered the injury after a heavy collision with South Sydney front-rower Tom Burgess on Sunday night with Elliott taken from the field after his arm fell visibly limp.

Fans said it was a terrible blow for Elliott, who had been playing one of his best season's yet and had been a critical player for the Bulldogs as they face an increasingly tough restart to the season.

The Bulldogs fell to their seventh consecutive loss when they fell 26-10 to the Bunnies over the weekend and the injury to Elliott also hinders their ability to bounce back.

Coach Dean Pay said the Bulldogs would look to recruit Luke Thompson to fill the boots in the number 13 jumper.

The Bulldogs have had the former St Helens English Super Leage player cleared to run on against the Broncos this weekend.

"We're pretty confident (Thompson) should be right next week. We'll see how he goes during the week but we're hopeful," Pay said.

"He's a quality player so you put any sort of quality player in a footy team they're going to help the team.

"He's an international, he's been a part of a very successful club over there so he brings a lot to our team."