Utility Ed Richards will continue to be monitored after being concussed in last Friday’s Marsh Community Series match against North Melbourne.

The 20-year-old was injured in the second quarter and is still dealing with the effects of the incident.

“He was sent to hospital for precautionary scans, but those scans came back and have cleared him of any serious structural pathology,” medical services manager, Chris Bell, said.

“He still does have some concussion symptoms that are persisting.

“He’ll work with our doctors over the coming days to determine his return to play plan.”

The Bulldogs will be boosted for their second Marsh Community Series match against Port Adelaide next weekend, with the expected returns of Easton Wood (hamstring), Tim English (concussion) and Matt Suckling (managed).

However, key forward Josh Bruce remains a test for the clash.

“Josh has recently suffered some back spasms, so we’ve had to back off his training loads,” Bell said.

“These back spasms are settling and he’s starting to come back into full training.

“We’re going to make a decision on his return to play after this weekend.”