The New York Islanders have announced that defenseman Radek Martinek will miss the next four to six weeks with an unspecified "upper-body injury."

Martinek left the Islanders home opener against St. Louis on Saturday late in the first period after a collision with David Backes and did not return to action. The club would not be more specific about the nature of Martinek's injury.

The Islanders' blue line corps is already hurting with veteran Andy Sutton out with an injured hand and Chris Campoli sidelined with a shoulder injury. As of late Tuesday, the Isles' had yet to call up any players from their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport to take Martinek's place on the roster.

The team did receive some good news when Brendan Witt returned to practice with the team today. The veteran defenseman was body slammed to the ice during Monday's game against the Sabres during a second period fight and his helmetless head hit the ice, opening a cut. Witt received a game misconduct so it was not clear if he would have been able to return after the brawl. The Islanders said Witt did not suffer a concussion and was expected to be in the lineup Thursday when the Isles play the Lightning.

The team also announced that forward Blake Comeau has been sent down to Bridgeport. The 22-year-old did not appear in any of the Islanders' first three games. New Isles' coach Scott Gordon indicated he wanted Comeau to be more physical. Last season, Comeau had eight goals and 15 points in 57 games with the Islanders.

Rick DiPietro did not practice with the team on Tuesday. New York's franchise goalie has yet to appear in any of the team's first three games this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in June. He has dressed as the backup goalie for all three contests. The team has said DP will start when he is ready. There has been mention as to whether the team will call up a goalie from Bridgeport.