The 19-year-old strained his groin in the NAB Cup grand final earlier this month and has been kept to light training and core work since.
However, the Dogs are confident the 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee is not suffering from the early onset of osteitis pubis and he will play in round three.
"He has had some improvement. It would be fair to say if you erred on the side of caution, he's probably closer to two weeks than one," general manager of football James Fantasia told afl.com.au on Tuesday night.
"He's got some groin issues and they're trying to deal with it.
"They don't think it is [osteitis pubis]. That's a bit longer term and he seems to be going ok."
Defenders Dale Morris, Ryan Hargrave and Jarrod Harbrow have all recovered from a virus they contracted last week.
"It didn't go through the place or anything like that. We had three players who suffered a bit through the week and Dale got it at the wrong time in that on Saturday," Fantasia said.
"It's not an excuse - we don't want to paint it as that. If you went through most clubs at some stage, players get run down and pick up lurgies.
"Now there are no signs of anyone having it so it's all out of the way."
Morris, who was a late withdrawal against Collingwood, was on restricted duties during Tuesday's light training session but is expected to play against Richmond on Sunday.
Brad Johnson is also expected to line up for his 351st match after recovering well from his first hit-out for 2010.
"He didn't reach the standards of his normal self, but he had two or three really solid efforts," Fantasia said.
"He got through and hasn't given any indication there is a problem with his leg. He'll still have to look after it but he's had a light run and hasn't shown no signs of problems."
Nathan Eagleton may return from a hamstring strain if he gets through training on Wednesday but could be sent to Williamstown to gather match fitness in the VFL's final weekend of practice matches instead.
Fantasia said the Dogs would not make many changes to their side this week although elevated rookie Brodie Moles would remain in selection consideration after being named an emergency against the Magpies.
