Time is running out for Ben Jacobs to overcome his concussion struggle with the North Melbourne tagger set to miss his eighth game of the AFL season.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott says Jacobs is still experiencing concussion symptoms and is unlikely for Sunday's clash with Adelaide.
The 26-year-old has played just one game since the Kangaroos' loss to Geelong in round 12 when he copped a head knock which presented delayed symptoms.
Earlier this month Scott said Jacobs had turned the corner and was closing in on a return but it now appears unlikely he will play again this year.
Scott however insists Jacobs' career is not under threat, saying the club had received assurances about his long-term health.
"If we were concerned about that we'd just put him on ice and say he's not going to play again in 2018," Scott told reporters on Thursday.
"While this week might be a stretch, depending on what he does today, we're still optimistic about the next week. That speaks to how close he is to playing."
Scott said Jacobs continued to feel light-headed and dizzy at times and would not be risked until those symptoms disappeared.
The midfielder has been restricted to "low-level" training, including running and strength work, and has been unable to take part in any match simulation.
North remains a slim chance to make the finals but looked well off the pace during last week's disappointing seven-point loss to the lowly Western Bulldogs.
The Roos slipped to 10th on the ladder after conceding eight goals to two during a horror third term.
"Ultimately if you can't get your hands on the ball in the contest and then you can't defend well to get it back ... all the rest doesn't matter," Scott said.
"Someone mentioned to me yesterday that we've played in six games that were decided roughly within a goal and we're 3-3 in those games.
"The competition's really tight and if we produce our best we're confident of playing anyone but we're also well aware that if we're a bit off, anyone can beat us."
