Defender Jordan Ridley is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks as he recovers from a low-grade quad strain.

The 25-year-old suffered the injury late in the third term of the Bombers’ practice match against Geelong last Friday, with his timeframe for return better than initially suspected.

Ridley addressed his recovery with media at the club’s Bomberthon event on Monday morning.

Young midfielder Ben Hobbs and defender Jake Kelly are both in the mix for a playing return in round one, pending how the pair get through their training schedule over the coming week.

Hobbs is overcoming a shoulder knock from a main training session three weeks ago, while Kelly is managing a slight hamstring tweak after noting awareness to fitness staff a fortnight ago.

Nate Caddy is integrating back into main training after overcoming soreness from an awkward landing at training a couple of weeks ago.

In further positive news, ruck Sam Draper made a successful playing return on restricted minutes in last week’s VFL practice match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, signifying another progression in his recovery from off-season groin surgery.

Splitting duties between the centre bounce and resting forward, Draper moved well prior to being managed at half-time as planned, and will continue to build on his playing minutes in the coming weeks.

Midfielder Dylan Shiel is close to full fitness as he progresses nicely in his recovery from a foot injury, while Tex Wanganeen continues to increase his running loads with an eye towards a return to main training in the next 4-5 weeks.

Essendon injury list