WEST Coast has breathed a huge sigh of relief with star forward Josh Kennedy only set for three weeks on the sidelines after hurting his calf.
Kennedy underwent scans on Monday afternoon after hearing a pop when he collapsed to the ground during the fourth quarter of the Eagles' loss to GWS on Sunday.
There were fears the dual Coleman medallist might have suffered a serious injury to his calf or Achilles.
However, Kennedy might only miss the trip to Gold Coast this week and then a home clash with Geelong following the bye in round 12.
"He's hurt his calf, so he'll be out for a few weeks. He'll be back after the bye, but it's probably just your standard calf," coach Adam Simpson told Channel Seven.
"When you look at the vision and the way he went down and what he heard, we all feared for the worst.
"But it's probably a bit of a relief he's done a soleus, so it's good news so to speak, but we'll miss him for a few weeks."
Kennedy leads the competition goalkicking with 34 majors and leaves a huge hole in attack, but Simpson has options to cover his gun spearhead.
More responsibility will fall on Jack Darling's shoulders, while the likes of Drew Petrie or star defender Jeremy McGovern could help fill the breach.
"It's interesting with Jack, he's only 190cm … key position forwards are hard to come by but we've got a few options there with McGovern down back and Fraser McInnes at East Perth and Tom Lamb as well," Simpson said.
"It's hard to replace JK but we'll find a way."
Josh Kennedy had to be helped from the ground following this innocuous incident. #AFLEaglesGiants pic.twitter.com/WNmQ07WEgE
— AFL (@AFL) May 28, 2017
Lamb is back in the selection mix after booting three goals in East Perth's one-point win over South Fremantle before the WAFL bye.
The gifted 193cm tall has slotted 16 goals this season and could play his first senior game since making his debut in round one, 2015.
Ruck-forward McInnes was dropped for the Giants loss after two senior games, replaced by Petrie, and the Eagles could soon regain ruckman Scott Lycett – who is close to resuming for East Perth after shoulder surgery.
Simpson expected star midfielder Luke Shuey (calf) and sharpshooter Mark LeCras (hip) to return for the trip to face the Suns after both were withdrawn from the GWS clash.
The West Coast coach denied his side had been rattled by Kennedy's injury and declared the Eagles, who sit sixth with a 6-4 record, remained firmly in the premiership hunt.
"Of course, the season is still wide open. We're one away from being back in the top four," Simpson said.
"It's up for grabs … we're not looking too far ahead but all is not lost."