Gold Coast veteran David Swallow will miss the next eight weeks of football after sustaining a PCL injury to his knee in last week's pre-season contest.
Swallow copped a knock during the match, which Suns Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull revealed.
The 32-year-old has subsequently been ruled out of Opening Round and will be assessed in the coming weeks regarding a return date.
"David received a knock to the front of his knee during the match and has sustained an injury to his PCL," Bulls said.
"We expect David to be available to play in eight weeks with a period of rehabilitation."
Emerging midfielder Sam Flanders will also be absent from Saturday's clash with Essendon after the club revealed his back issue has yet to be rectified.
Flanders missed the two pre-season matches due to the nagging injury and will need another two weeks to be deemed fully fit.
The Suns are also hopeful that Mac Andrew (chest), Lachie Weller (hamstring) and Charlie Ballard (ankle) are given the all clear for the season opener.
Andrew landed heavily on his chest in the opening minutes of last week's pre-season game against Sydney while Weller came from the field clutching at his hamstring.
Highly-touted draftee Leo Lombard was sent in for surgery on his injured shoulder following a contest with Levi Ashcroft two weeks ago.
Lombard is expected to be sidelined until the mid-way point of the 2025 season.
In more positive news, vice-captain Touk Miller has been declared fit after overcoming a knee injury.
