Three Bulldogs will be tested this week ahead of a Friday night clash with Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.
Both Arthur Jones (hamstring) and Tim English (knee) could return to availability if they get through main training, while Aaron Naughton (neck) remains a chance to face the Dockers.
“Scans following the Sydney game cleared Aaron of any serious bone, spinal and nerve damage related to his fall from a marking contest,” Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said.
“Aaron’s muscular neck symptoms from the overstretching mechanism have continued to improve over the last 72 hours, so we will continue to monitor him ahead of our main training this week.
“Arthur has now completed his end-stage rehab from his low-grade hamstring injury, which included a game-like training session on the weekend. If he gets through training like I expect, he will return to availability.
“Tim initially had quite significant bone bruising and swelling associated with his medial knee ligament injury.
“He has continued to make slow but steady recovery across the last week, and completed a game-like but controlled rehab session successfully on Saturday.
“Appreciating that Tim plays a very dynamic and physically demanding role for our team, we will work through a process in our main training session this week to consolidate a return-to-play timeline.”
Bell also provided updates on Tom Liberatore (concussion) and Rory Lobb (hamstring).
“Tom continues to progress through our concussion protocols - our doctors continue to work through a process with Tom that is diligent and thorough to determine a return-to-play plan.
“Once he has successfully completed all elements of the return-to-play concussion protocol and reintegrates back into full contact training, we will update his status and plan.
“Rory had the onset of some hamstring symptoms following a direct contact injury in the Round 6 game against Geelong.
“Scans confirmed a bleed from this direct contact injury, with follow up scans also identifying an associated area of structural muscle damage.
“We will be conservative with Rory's management and expect him to miss the next 2-4 weeks of football.”
Meanwhile, Cody Weightman has been assessed as being 4-6 weeks away from a return to availability, with Riley Garcia listed as 2-4 weeks.
Injury List - Round 8
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