Essendon defender Archie Roberts could return in a matter of weeks after dislocating his shoulder in Round 14, with the club opting not to send him in for surgery.
Roberts' campaign was in jeopardy if he was to go under the knife, but caretaker coach Dean Solomon provided a positive update for Bombers fans, with plans for him to return in Round 18.
"They discussed (sending him in for surgery)," Solomon said.
"The medical staff are really confident that he can come back in a couple weeks time. They spoke with Archie as well, and he is keen to push to play this year. So that's been the discussion so far.
"He's ahead of time, so we expect to see him in the next couple of weeks.
"If he was in any danger of long-term stuff, we'd never put him at risk. It's always player first. In discussions with the medical staff and himself, they want to push that way and we're keen to support that."
The Bombers could also expect to see the return of seven injured players to both the AFL and VFL this weekend, pending they get through training.
Captain Andrew McGrath (jaw) and Jye Caldwell (ankle) are set to return to the senior side, while Darcy Parish (knee), Isaac Kako (back) and Angus Clarke will play football this weekend, albeit the latter will play in the reserves.
Joining Clarke in the VFL will be ruckman Vigo Visentini and forward Matt Guelfi.
Essendon mid-season pick-up Jaxon Artemis isn't far away from an AFL debut after impressing since joining the club last month.
Solomon said Artemis will need another week or two in the VFL, but is making inroads at Tullamarine.
The Essendon caretaker, when probed about his potential push for the senior coach gig, maintained his stance of focusing on the job at hand, which is Sunday's clash against North Melbourne.
Solomon refused to buy into the narrative surrounding his favouritism for the vacancy, insisting his priority is being there for the players, staff and club during this transitional phase.
