Harrison Jones has suffered an ankle injury and looks set to miss a month of the AFL season, per AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey.
Jones, 21, played 16 games for the Bombers last year after being drafted in 2019, kicking 20 goals in a promising season.
Following the retirement of Cale Hooker at the conclusion of last season, Jones was in line to be one of the key targets up forward for the Bombers in 2022.
A blow for Essendon on the eve of the season with young forward Harrison Jones suffering an ankle injury this week. Looks likely to miss about a month of footy. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) March 12, 2022
It's understood he suffered ligament damage when rolling his ankle during training on Friday.
This setback for the Bombers could now see talented tall forward Kaine Baldwin make his debut early in the season.
Baldwin joined the club as a pre-season supplemental selection at the beginning of last year and did not feature during the season, however he impressed over the pre-season and was in line to play in 2022.
Torn ankle ligaments for Essendon forward Harry Jones in a training mishap yesterday. At least a month on the sidelines. Just can’t take a trick.
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) March 12, 2022
And big doubt on Aaron Francis with a knee injury. You’d think Kaine Baldwin in line for a R1 debut
Meanwhile, 7 News' Cleary is also reporting Aaron Francis is in doubt to play Round 1 after a knee injury.
The Bombers play Geelong in Round 1 and have high hopes in 2022 after their quick rise up the ladder last season.