Geelong superstar Bailey Smith is in doubt for Opening Round after suffering a minor calf injury late last week.
Smith's loads will be modified throughout the training regime, and will miss Wednesday's practice match against Carlton.
The former Bulldog has less than 10 days before the club's season opening clash against the Gold Coast.
Gryan Miers is also in doubt for the Suns clash with a thumb injury that required surgery, while 2025 Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron is also pushing his case after sustaining a low-grade quad strain.
Brisbane key defender Jack Payne headed in for more surgery on his troublesome knee that ruled him out for the most of last year.
Payne ruptured his patella tendon in Round 14 against GWS, and has experienced more pain during his rehab process.
A timeframe has yet to be confirmed by the Lions.
Essendon's Jordan Ridley will also miss the start of the 2026 season, suffering a calf strain at training last week.
"'Rids' has put together a really strong block of work with our high-performance team in recent weeks and was on track to return this Saturday, so it's disappointing that he's sustained a new injury at this time," Bombers GM of AFL Daniel McPherson said.
"We'll have a better idea of his specific return-to-play timeline once he's progressed further in his rehab, but he certainly won't play in the opening couple of rounds."
Youngster Rhys Unwin is in a similar boat, and will miss the start of the year with a calf injury.
West Coast small forward Noah Long has been ruled out of the 2026 campaign.
Long suffered "multiple ligaments damaged" to his left knee.
"Although there is no damage to the cartilage, which is great for his long-term outcome, Noah will require surgery in the coming weeks once his knee has settled down," Head of High Performance Phil Merriman said.
"While it's incredibly disappointing for Noah and the Club, we will wrap our arms around him and support him every step of the way through his rehabilitation."
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