Vardy, 20, showed plenty of talent in his first year of senior football before a hip injury ended his season after nine games.
The 198cm ruckman underwent surgery but the Cats are unsure when he will resume training and have no information on when he may play, The Age reports.
Geelong is confident that the surgery was a success but is offering no specifics with Vardy still not running, making the chance of early season senior action unlikely.
"We won't rush him," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking told The Age.
"He's a 10 to 12-year player.
"It's not something we want to get too specific about, other than his operation has been successful."
As cover, the Cats are likely to play No.78 NAB AFL Draft selection Orren Stephenson, the 29-year-old former VFL ruckman.
"This guy is going to play, just as long as his form warrants it," Hocking said.
"We've seen the guy ruck against our guys too [in the VFL] and hold his own."
