After copping a nasty knock over the weekend against the Western Force, Wallaby flyhalf Noah Lolesio could be set for a stunning recovery.
Brumbies' coach Stephen Larkham has revealed plans are in place for the playmaker to start their Round 16 clash against the Crusaders, following several scans that have confirmed no spinal injuries or fractures.
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Lolesio will have the next two weeks off, missing out on being named for the Brumbies' clash with the Reds, but is expected to be fit following the bye.
"It was fairly nasty," Larkham revealed.
"He's had some CT scans, and we've had really good discussions around it all.
"He's been cleared of anything serious in terms of fractures, and we're treating it as a day-by-day prospect at this stage, but he's looking pretty good at the moment.
"He should be running by the end of the week, which is really good news, and hopefully that means he's back on track for our next game against the Crusaders.
Despite the positive news, the Brumbies coach remained grounded on Lolesio starting, confirming the star will work his way back up to full contact.
"We're very thankful that nothing serious has happened there," Larkham added.
"...But I think he would certainly have some mental elements that he'd have to get over before he can get back out on the field."
Declan Meredith will fill in Lolesio's shoes in the interim period, with Wallaby star Billy Pollard the only other change for the Canberra side.
Curiously, the Brumbies will enter the match without a specialist flyhalf on the bench, with Austin Anderson and Jack Debreczeni also both injured.
However, the Brumbies coach remains positive that the side has several solutions for the playmaker role.
"Declan got a couple of opportunities against the Force, in two games over in New Zealand, and played exceptionally well," Larkham added.
"We've got a couple of guys, I guess we have a couple of yellow card scenarios where some of our players can fill that position. Andy Muirhead regularly steps into that position, same as Tom Wright. We also have Ryan Lonergan, who's played a bit of ten through his career."
Billy Pollard's inclusion comes at an interesting time - with the Brumby hooker being discussed as a potential switch to the new Perth Bears NRL side.
However, Larkham revealed that contract negotiations between Pollard and Rugby Australia are ongoing, and that reported plans for the Force and Bears to share a pool of players would be impractical in practice.
"No, we haven't spoken internally," Larkham said candidly.
"We go through the process with Rugby Australia. Billy's one of those players who is in line for a national contract. The negotiation is between the player, his agent, and Rugby Australia and the Brumbies.
"The threat of Rugby League has always been around there. Obviously, the expansion of the NRL is creating more opportunities for players.
"The negotiation with Billy has been ongoing for a long time. Rugby league and rugby union games are fairly similar, but there is some nuance to rugby union, and certainly some specialty positions don't transfer.
"If you just look at Billy Pollard, he's in a hooking position that doesn't transfer."
The Reds will come into the match with 14 players sidelined, however, despite coming out on the right side of the ledger the last time the two sides played, Larkham remains wary of Les Kiss' men.
"The Reds' rivalry has become a really good one over the last couple of years, Larkham added.
"They've been playing really good football this year. They've been competitive in every single game, and they've got some threats across the park.
"Plenty on the line, having them at home. It's a great game for fans to get out there and see the current two best Australian teams going at it.
"Every game for every team is really important because there are still some jostling for a top-six position.
"It's certainly an important game for us."
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford
