Essendon coach Brad Scott has provided an update on injured duo Harrison Jones and Ben McKay amid the mystery of their return date.

The pair have suffered lower leg injuries, and have been assigned "TBC" for their estimated return.

Jones dislocated his ankle in the Round 8 victory over North Melbourne, while McKay was last seen in the Round 11 Dreamtime at the G clash against Richmond.

Scott, who has dealt with an injury crisis that has seen a quartet of key position players ruled out for the season, was unable to provide any clarity as their respective recoveries have "stagnated".

 Thursday, June 19 
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"We'd love to give a really direct timeline," Scott said on Monday.

"Harry, obviously had a really serious injury, and we were optimistic, in the first two weeks, how quickly it turned around.

"But there's no doubt it's stagnated, in terms of his recovery. We thought he'd be running by now, but he's not really even close to that.

"The TBC is because we can't give a return to play until he's back at least with some sort of running load.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Ben McKay of the Bombers handballs whilst being tackled during the round three AFL match between Essendon Bombers and St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium, on March 30, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"Ben McKay the same. (He's) unable to tolerate running load at the moment, so it's not a short-term thing unfortunately."

Utility Nik Cox is also under the same "TBC" banner after dealing with concussion symptoms for the better part of nine months.

Cox last played in Round 22 against Gold Coast in 2024, but multiple head knocks have seen him sit before the AFL concussion panel to determine his next move.

Scott revealed that the club had been given "preliminary findings" on the former Pick 8's circumstances, but will wait for the written report.

"We don't have direct recommendations".

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Vigo Visentini of the Bombers in action during the Essendon Bombers AFL training session at The Hangar on January 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Vigo Visentini of the Bombers in action during the Essendon Bombers AFL training session at The Hangar on January 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Bombers will also unveil their 11th debutant for the year after it was confirmed that emerging ruckman Vigo Visentini will take on Fremantle on Thursday night.

Veteran ruck Todd Goldstein will be given a fortnight off after shouldering the load following injuries to Nick Bryan and Sam Draper.

Visentini will play alongside fellow tall Lachie Blakiston, while Peter Wright will pinch-hit if needed.