Brisbane have put a line through skipper Dayne Zorko for Thursday night's top-of-the-table clash with Melbourne.
Zorko battled a hamstring injury across the club's bye week after suffering the setback against St Kilda in Round 13, with the 33-year-old now ruled out of lining up at the MCG this week.
Lions coach Chris Fagan confirmed Zorko's omission for this week, stressing the veteran's need for further recovery before returning.
"He was close, but I think it's best to give him a rest, take the opportunity of the bye plus another week," Fagan told media on Wednesday morning.
"Yesterday at training, the running he was doing, I thought he was moving as well as I've seen him move. I was pretty buoyed by that.
"It may not hurt him just to have this little break and then launch for the last eight games of the season.
"That's what I'm hoping for, and on the evidence I saw yesterday, I think that could well be the case."
The Lions will also be without defender Darcy Gardiner for Thursday night, with the Brisbane backman hospitalised following the St Kilda victory after having fluid on his lungs, the club confirmed.
Fagan is yet to confirm any inclusions for either Zorko or Gardiner, with the Lions to confirm their 26-man squad at 6:20pm (AEST) on Wednesday night.
In-form fringe midfielder Rhys Mathieson could be handed his first appearance of 2022, while Jack Payne, Tom Berry and Nakia Cockatoo will also be in the frame.
The Demons will host the Queensland club at 7:20pm (AEST) on Thursday night as they look to hold onto their place atop the ladder.
