Here it struck to deprive them of midfielder Chris McCready following the injuries to strikers Nicky Maynard and Byron Moore in the first week of the season.
A competitive first half had already seen skipper Neil Cox and on-loan striker Chris Dickson needing treatment when McCready took a kick on his left ankle.
He appeared to recover but was soon signalling to the bench and in added time and was replaced by Danny O'Donnell.
Crewe were already short of one midfielder as David Vaughan was left out as he negotiates a £300,000 move to Spanish club Real Sociedad.
Newly promoted Rovers - who were good value for their draw - always showed a refreshing determination to build a passing game on a neatly-cropped pitch before the grass is allowed to grow to accommodate their tenants Bristol Rugby Club.
Before they took a 32nd minute lead though Craig Disley, Stuart Campbell and Rickie Lambert had both drawn diving saves from Ben Williams.
Disley began the move for his goal with a pass from his own half out to David Pipe on his right before making a long run to position himself for the return.
But celebrations were short-lived as, within a minute, Tom Pope had equalised after running onto a ball pushed through by Gary Roberts.
Dickson, who only arrived from Charlton in the week, shaped well but was taken off late on.
Rovers so nearly won the game through substitute Andy Williams whose sharp downward header came back off a post.