Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says he is "buoyed" by how ruckman Oscar McInerney is progressing through a "few different things", but won't feature against Essendon on Thursday night.
McInerney has been managed over the past fortnight, with the club revealing the reason to be general soreness. Former captain Dayne Zorko mentioned that he'd been dealing with a back issue.
But Fagan, who is reluctant to "rush" the 30-year-old back before he's ready, amid Darcy Fort's impressive form, says the Lions will wait at least another week.
"He trained really well yesterday, it's the best he's moved in ages," Fagan said.
"It's probably unlikely he'll play. We'll give him another week.
"I was really buoyed by the way he went about his training yesterday, he looked so much better than he's looked in a while.
"It's probably me more than anyone giving him a little more time to be honest, because he was banged up, physically and mentally.
"When you're physically banged up, it starts to affect you mentally, and I want him to come back fresh and feeling good about himself, so I'm happy to give him another week."
The same goes for defender Keidean Coleman, who will miss a second consecutive week.
Coleman returned to the senior side in Round 10 following a 13-month sideline stint due to an ACL injury.
Despite performing at a high level, the classy left-footer experienced swelling and soreness in his knee, and has subsequently been managed.
"His knee has swelled up after his first game. That's not unusual," Fagan said.
"Scans didn't reveal anything, it's just a reaction to more stress and more effort. He's improved, but not enough to play.
"We expect him to be OK in the next week or two."
