Brisbane will be without captain Harris Andrews for this Saturday's QClash against the Gold Coast Suns after the club confirmed their All-Australian defender had entered concussion protocols.
Andrews underwent testing in the second half of Sunday's win over Sydney before returning to the field, with a second incident in the dying minutes now forcing the key backman to enter the league's mandated protocols.
The setback will see Andrews sidelined for at least 12 days from the game, meaning he won't be able to partake in this weekend's match against the Suns at People First Stadium.
"The Brisbane Lions confirm Co-Captain Harris Andrews has entered concussion protocols following Sunday's win over the Sydney Swans," a club update read.
"Andrews suffered the concussion in a contest during the final seconds of the Round 19 match, which was confirmed after the club's medical team conducted a Head Injury Assessment.
"The Lions defender had only minutes earlier returned to the field after successfully passing a compulsory SCAT6, which was required for a separate incident.
"Andrews will now miss Saturday's QClash against the Gold Coast Suns."
The forced selection change will mean the Lions are without all of Andrews, Darcy Gardiner (knee) and Jack Payne (foot) for Round 20, while recruit Tom Doedee (knee) is also unavailable and yet to feature for his new side.
Brisbane will have Darragh Joyce to hold down the fort, while rookie Zane Zakostelsky could come into consideration for a debut and offer support alongside veteran Ryan Lester in Chris Fagan's rearguard.
Youngster Carter Michael is another name for the Lions to weigh up adding to their side in place of Andrews.
A return for Andrews can be expected in Round 21 when the Lions face St Kilda.
