Jacob Weitering has a fractured rib but has been cleared to play in Carlton’s Opening Round clash against Sydney.
It’s a welcome boost for the Blues after the ace defender was stretchered off the ground during Saturday night’s State of Origin revival.
Weitering landed heavily in the first quarter against Western Australia and the match was delayed for nearly 10 minutes as he was taken from the ground.
There were concerns he had sustained a serious concussion but Weitering said he was conscious through the entire incident.
The Blues assessed Weitering when he returned to the club on Monday and deemed him able to play against the Swans in coming weeks.
“This assessment confirmed Weitering had sustained a rib fracture, but the defender has been cleared of any other injury,” a Carlton statement said.
“As a result, he remains a good chance to be available to play in opening round.
“The 28-year-old will now focus on making a full recovery, with the club to confirm his availability to play against Sydney during the week of opening round.”
Weitering is a needed commodity to the Blues at the best of times but will likely match up on former teammate Charlie Curnow in his first match as a Swan.
Weitering spoke to media at the airport on Sunday before the club conducted its scans on Monday.
“I was fully conscious through the whole thing, there was obviously a bit of soreness through the upper back and shoulder,” he said.
“Not at all, I absolutely loved the week … I kept up with the scores in hospital, I would certainly do it again.”
Originally published as AFL 2026: Carlton has provided an update on defender Jacob Weitering