Karina Smirnoff's Injury Could Sideline Her for Rest of 'DWTS' Season

Karina Smirnoff, one of the veteran pro dancers on "Dancing With the Stars," was noticeably absent from last week's show after seriously injuring her leg during rehearsals.

Smirnoff reportedly hurt her shin after taking a spill during an Oct. 12 practice for the following day's live show, E! Online reported. The injury could sideline her for the remainder of the season, the gossip site noted. 

So sad I'm not able to perform tonight on the show. Got hurt yesterday rehearsing. Now, some TLC and… http://t.co/G98ZgfFZzg

— Karina Smirnoff (@Karina_Smirnoff) October 13, 2014

 

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So sad I'm not able to perform tonight on the show. Got hurt yesterday rehearsing. Now, some TLC and I'll be back stronger then ever! ?? thank u for ur support, guys. Love u! @dancingabc

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Tony Dovolani, a fellow pro "DWTS" dancer, later detailed Smirnoff's injury to E! Online.

"She went to wet her shoes so that we could have better traction . . . she slipped and ran into the stairs with her shin, her arm," Dovolani said. "I was so afraid because I saw half of it, basically on her way down. I thought she would hit her face or neck or anything like that, so luckily she didn't."

Smirnoff posted another update on Twitter Tuesday, telling fans she hoped to be back soon.

Thank you for all your sweet well wishes! I'm improving + optimistic that I'll be back soon. Love + appreciate u all! pic.twitter.com/BiKJRaNj7e

— Karina Smirnoff (@Karina_Smirnoff) October 14, 2014

Smirnoff, who has appeared on 16 seasons of the reality competition show, was eliminated along with celebrity partner Randy Couture in week three of this year's contest. She continued to dance each week, though, with the house troupe team.

"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

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