Harrison Jones won't play again in 2023 after undergoing surgery to clean up a lingering ankle issue.
The 22-year-old played the first five games of the 2023 season but hasn't featured since and the Bombers have now put a line through him appearing again this season in their latest injury report.
Jones had been dealing with ongoing complications from a back injury but hads also suffered ankle issues in his time at AFL level.
Jones has booted 35 goals from 31 career games but had gone goalless in three of his five games this year.
Essendon has ruled out Harrison Jones for the season with his back stress fracture. Could also give him time to sort his ankle issues as well. Means the Bombers could open up a second mid-season rookie draft pick if they wanted ahead of next week. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) May 24, 2023
Essendon's key forward stocks have been decimated in 2023, but Peter Wright is hoping for a return from a shoulder injury in the next month.
Sam Weideman has proved a revelation in the duo's absence, booting multiple goals on five ocassions this year.
The Bombers will also now have the option to make two mid-season draft picks if the club moves Jones to the long-term injury list.