The Maroons were on Sunday handed a number of last-minute selection hurdles, with Taulagi's fitness the main concern.
The North Queensland winger was every chance to be named on the wing for the May 28 series opener, before he pulled up sore from the Cowboys' loss to Manly.
The 26-year-old is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, ruling him out of at least Origin I and placing him in doubt for game two.
The setback is expected to ensure Selwyn Cobbo will keep his spot in Queensland's backline, with Robert Toia another option.
Cobbo hurt his wrist in the Broncos' loss to St George Illawarra on Sunday, but Brisbane were confident after the match the issue was not serious.
The Broncos are also hopeful Carrigan has not suffered any serious structural damage after a head clash with Jack de Belin in the final minute.
Carrigan had blood pouring from a split lip, but the location of the cut meant it could not be stapled up.
He is expected to see a plastic surgeon on Monday, the same day Maroons coach Billy Slater names his team and players begin entering camp.
The Maroons have already lost fellow forward Tom Gilbert to a pectoral injury, after he went down early in the Dolphins' loss to the Warriors on Saturday.
One man who won't replace him is in-form Warriors edge Kurt Capewell, who was on the plane back to Auckland on Sunday.
Meanwhile, one outside back known to be in the Maroons' squad is Valentine Holmes, who is expected to partner Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres.
Holmes' presence is desperately needed as a goalkicker, with fullback Kalyn Ponga Queensland's other option.
"He has always done the job and is in pretty decent form for the Dragons," former Queensland centre Brent Tate said.
"It looks like he has found his mojo again.
"Val is just arrow straight with his kicks, and the process he runs through is so consistent. There is none better in the game as pure strikers of the ball."