Essendon have confirmed that utility Nik Cox is no longer required to meet with an AFL concussion panel and has returned to training for the 2026 season.
An ongoing battle with concussion saw Cox not feature at senior level this year, with doubt cast over his playing future at Essendon.
Cox suffered a concussion late into the 2024 season and was dealt another head knock at training this year to compound the concern.
The 23-year-old has since worked through AFL and club requirements over the off-season to be deemed ready for the Bombers' pre-season, which commenced on Monday.
In a club update on Cox, Bombers football boss Daniel McPherson lauded the resilience of the former top 10 pick.
“Nik has done a mountain of work in recent months,” McPherson said.
“We're obviously excited about the prospect of his return, but we'll remain cautious given his history to ensure we give him the best possible chance to get a clean run at it.
“We're all hoping we can see the best of Nik in 2026.”
A series of injury setbacks have plagued Cox's career to date, with the 199cm talent playing just 53 games since being drafted in 2020.
Cox played 22 games in his debut season and a further 20 last year, often featuring across multiple positions on the field.
His recovery will be one of several at Essendon over the next several months, with Nic Martin, Nick Bryan, Tom Edwards and Lewis Hayes all rehabbing ACL injuries sustained earlier this year.
