The Capitals are now operating without three of their regular defensemen.

The Washington Capitals are being hit hard by injuries to open the 2023-24 season, and they suffered another setback on Saturday, with Martin Fehervary the latest to join the injured reserve.

Washington has placed Feherary on the IR and recalled defenseman Dylan McIlrath from the AHL's Hershey Bears, per the NHL Media website.

Fehervary was injured at 7:50 of the second period of Friday's 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils when he was defending Dawson Mercer in front of the net. The Slovak blueliner appeared to tweak something and lifted his foot in visible discomfort. He made his way to the bench when the play moved back up ice and did not return.

Here's what happened:

It's a major blow to the blue line, as Fehervary was skating on the top pairing and providing some stability working with John Carlson. Not only that, but Washington is already operating without Trevor van Riemsdyk (lower-body) and Joel Edmundson (hand).

Beyond the blue line, the Capitals are also missing Darcy Kuemper due to an undisclosed injury and have Anthony Mantha (upper-body) on the injured reserve. Max Pacioretty (Achilles) remains on the long-term injured reserve, along with Nicklas Backstrom (hip), who is stepping away indefinitely and unlikely to return this season.

It is unclear whether or not McIlrath will play on Saturday or if Alex Alexeyev will draw back into the mix with Fehervary out. Alexeyev was a healthy scratch on Friday.

Washington faces the New York Islanders at 7:30 p.m. at UBS Arena.