The 23-year-old midfielder injured the shoulder during last Friday night's game against Collingwood and played out the match in obvious discomfort.
While surgery won't be required, the club warned that Dangerfield could miss up to a month of football depending on how well he responded to treatment.
Teammate Scott Thompson is also vying to overcome a persistent groin complaint and will be continually assessed in the lead up to Sunday's match at AAMI Stadium.
Rory Sloane said that while the loss of the experienced pair would be significant against the Cats, it would offer good opportunity to young players.
"We've got guys like Mitch Grigg; Jarryd Lyons came in and played some good footy, even 'Porps' (Jason Porplyzia) can go into the midfield as well.
"We'll rotate other guys through and it'll be good for some young guys' development."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
