Hudghton, 32, left the ground early in the match with what appeared to be a calf complaint and did not return for the Saints as they were overrun by the Eagles to the tune of 17 points.
Eagle Dean Cox also left the ground late in the last quarter in the hands of trainers. But what was initially feared to be a reoccurrence of the ruckman's troublesome foot injury was later revealed to be just cramp.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said the loss of Hudghton unbalanced the team but noted there were no excuses for the way in which his team faded from the match .
The Saints face Port Adelaide at home next Sunday, with the injury to be assessed before the full-back's availability is determined.
