Key defender Jordon Butts is progressing through the AFL’s concussion protocols ahead of a possible return against GWS at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Butts was concussed in the Crows’ Round 16 win over North Melbourne and missed the weekend’s loss to Essendon.

“Buttsy is making his way through the concussion protocols, he’s been moving really well and symptom-free so he’s progressing really well,” Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said.

“Yesterday he did some intro to contact work and some progressions through his speed running, he got through that so his next step tomorrow is to take part in a full training session with full contact and assuming he gets through that he will be available for the weekend.”

Burgess said the high performance team was constantly monitoring the players’ workloads heading into Round 18.

“You tend to monitor guys at both ends of the scale – the younger first and second-year players and the older guys really closely as well – so that’s part of the art as well as the science I suppose in trying to look after guys mid-week particularly after a game like that at Marvel Stadium which tends to be a bit quicker.”

Injury List (as of Tuesday, July 11): 

Jordon Butts (concussion protocol)

Andrew McPherson (quad) 3 weeks

Zac Taylor (foot) 3-5 weeks

Tom Doedee (knee) season