Essendon defender Mark Baguley will be placed on the long term injury list.
The Bombers Vice-Captain has been sidelined since round 11 because of knee complaint.
After consultations with his surgeon, it was decided the best course of action was for the 29 year old to sit out the remainder of the season.
No decision has been reached on if or when a rookie will be upgraded.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Conor McKenna and Will Hams have played senior football this season after being upgraded from the rookie list.
Fellow rookies Jake Long, Tom Wallis and Gach Nyuon are playing in the VFL.