The AFL career of Geelong's Josh Cowan hangs in the balance with the injury-prone defender ruled out for another 10-12 weeks with an achilles tendon issue.
Cowan, who has been plagued by soft-tissue injuries, has played just 16 games since being snared in the 2009 national draft.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at season's end and faces a fight to earn another deal.
Geelong don't expect Cowan to play again this season.
The Cats have shown great patience with some of their injury-plagued stars.
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Geelong stuck firmly by Daniel Menzel through his four knee reconstructions and the patience paid massive dividends.
But they shipped off ruckman Nathan Vardy to West Coast at the end of last season after injury-filled years on their list.
Cowan managed nine consecutive games at the end of last season, but his latest injury could spell the end of his short career.
Small forward Cory Gregson is also set to miss the rest of the season with a lingering foot injury that has required more surgery.
Gregson hasn't played since round 14 last year and he'll need to spend the next six weeks in a moon boot, before resuming running in about 12 weeks.
