The Rebels have been dealt yet another injury blow, with boom rookie Reece Hodge joining their absentee list.
Hodge is set to miss up to five weeks, according to the Rebels website, with a quad injury that forced him to pull out of last weekend's loos to the Bulls, in the hours before the game.
The latest development is a major hit to the Rebels' backline depth, with Mike Harris already out for three months with a quad injury and flyer Sefa Naiavalu's return date still to be set.
Hodge proved himself to be a talented utility in the season opener, starting on the wing, before filling in at fullback and flyhalf on his Super Rugby debut.
The 21-year-old scored two tries in that first game, exciting Rebels fans in a 25-19 win over the Force.
Captain Nic Stirzaker is still listed as up to a fortnight away from returning to play, after an initially minor shoulder setback becomes more troublesome.
Colby Fainga'a (elbow), Cam Crawford (hamstring), Scott Fuglistaller (hip) and Tim Metcher round out the Rebels injury list.
The Rebels host the Reds at AAMI Park on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:30pm.
