GEELONG forward Lincoln McCarthy has been cleared of serious shoulder damage, but remains in doubt for this Sunday's JLT Community Series clash with Essendon in Bendigo.

McCarthy injured his shoulder in the second quarter of the Cats' pre-season clash against Adelaide when he collided with Crows defender Brodie Smith.

Cats football manager Steve Hocking said scans had returned positive results for the important small forward.

"[Lincoln's] been cleared of a fracture, which is pleasing," Hocking told krockfootball.com.au.

"He's got a sprained joint in the shoulder; that's probably the simplest way of putting it.

"Is he a chance this week? We'll just have to see how goes coping with that."

The 23-year-old is a key member of Geelong's forward line, particularly because of the pressure he applies on the opposition.

Hocking said Scott Selwood (toe), Cameron Guthrie (calf) and Jake Kolodjashnij (groin) were being considered to play against the Bombers at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

But the Cats will be cautious with the trio if they are not 100 per cent fit. 

"There's still three weeks to go before the season starts," Hocking said.

"We'll just see how they come up for this weekend. They’re certainly under consideration if they get through full week (of training), then they get cleared by the medical team."

Hocking said the Cats might look at the option of playing a number of senior-listed players in a VFL practice match against Essendon on March 17, just a week out from their round one matchup with Fremantle at Domain Stadium on March 26.

"If we have to (we will), but there's a whole process you've got to follow there as far as the AFL goes with clearance," Hocking said.

"The guys that haven’t been involved in the JLT Series, or have and have had limited training, you have to justify that and get it approved.

"We’ve got a history of that (exploring that option), so we'll work through it."