GEELONG defender Jed Bews has been cleared of a fracture to his shoulder but he is unlikely to play against fierce rival Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.
In better news, Cats football manager Simon Lloyd told AFL.com.au in-form defender Tom Stewart should overcome an ankle complaint and be fit to take on the Hawks while ruckman Rhys Stanley (calf) is also expected to be available.
Bews dislocated his left shoulder as he lunged to make a tackle on Tiger Kane Lambert with less than two minutes left in the three-point loss.
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Scans in recent days have shown no sign of a break as a result of the injury, with Bews' shoulder popping back in in the changerooms.
"He's out of the sling. He's had both an MRI and a CT scan and both have excluded a fracture which is really positive news for Jed," Lloyd told AFL.com.au.
"We'll determine throughout the course of the week what that looks like in regards to Jed's short term plans.
"We expect him back playing solid football in the not too distant future."
Stewart, who missed Friday night's clash with the Tigers due to an ankle injury, trained on Monday and if he gets through the main session later in the week will return against the Hawks.
"Tom completed a football session today and our expectation is that Tom will be available," Lloyd said.
"Tom was close to playing last week so (our) expectation is he'll be available."
Stanley was a late withdrawal from the clash with the Tigers after battling calf tightness in the lead up to the game.
The ruckman's absence paved the way for Ryan Abbott to make his debut against Richmond, with the first-gamer kicking two goals.
"Rhys commenced running yesterday. He'll look to join training later in the week and we're confident Rhys will be available to play," Lloyd said.
Forward Daniel Menzel experienced some soreness in his groin following the game against the Tigers, but Lloyd said he would be right to play.
"There was no muscle strain for Dan and it's part of his ongoing management throughout the year," Lloyd said.
"He'll train on Thursday and be available."
Should he get through training on Thursday, veteran defender Harry Taylor should also be able to play this weekend after overcoming a frustrating foot complaint.
The Cats are set to decide whether that will be in the AFL or VFL later in the week.
Important small forward Lincoln McCarthy is building up his speed at training after suffering a hamstring injury against Richmond in round 13.
Lloyd said a decision on whether McCarthy would be available to return via the VFL this week or next would be made later in the week.
Promising youngster Quinton Narkle will most likely be available after missing the clash against the Tigers to attend a family funeral.
