Carlisle, who has kicked four goals in eight games this season as a forward, could be called on as another tall option against Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.
And after arriving 45 minutes late to his scheduled press conference on Thursday because of a team meeting, Thompson could be able to call on ruckman Tom Bellchambers (ankle) and midfielder David Myers (hamstring) if they prove their fitness.
Match preview: Essendon v Sydney Swans
On moving Carlisle back, he said: "We've certainly talked about a lot of scenarios and that was one of them … we're not 100 per cent sure as we stand right now".
Franklin has kicked 50 goals in 10 games against the Bombers, including a bag of eight last season opposed to Carlisle.
Tippett, meanwhile, made an impressive return against Hawthorn in round eight, kicking four goals in his first match alongside Franklin.
"My impression [of their forward line] is tall, very tall … dangerous," Thompson said.
"We're going to try and do the right match-ups and Dustin (Fletcher) is going to have to play on a tall.
"[Franklin] gets on little runs of form and he's there now, [but] three or four weeks ago everyone was very critical of the club.
"It's amazing how he can come out of something so bad and turn it into something so good."
As well as their imposing tall forwards, the Swans have received great service from a rotating band of midfielders and half-forwards, with Luke Parker (10 goals), Kieren Jack (eight), Harry Cunningham (seven) and Ben McGlynn (seven) hitting the scoreboard regularly.
Thompson said the Bombers would need to lift their own game 20 to 30 per cent and make sure the Swans went inside 50 under pressure.
"They're at the top of their game right now, 'Buddy' and all of the other forwards," he said.
"They're getting good opportunities, they're getting good delivery and they're making the most of it.
"We've just got to stop the ball getting in and if it does get in, get it in under a bit of pressure."
Bellchambers is yet to play at AFL level this season after undergoing ankle surgery, but he is a chance to return after overcoming soreness in the same ankle, which Thompson said was not associated with his operation.
Myers has not played since round five and will also need to pass a fitness test on Thursday to return.
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
