Sydney Swans rookie Shaun Edwards will spend the next few weeks on the sidelines after hurting his shoulder in last weekend’s NEAFL win in Darwin.

Edwards was forced off the ground after being bumped heavily halfway through the second quarter of the Round 5 encounter at TIO Stadium.

He failed to return to the field, with scans later confirming a Grade 3 strain of the AC joint.

In this week’s HCF Injury Update, Head of Football Tom Harley said the speedy midfielder will be need time to recover.

“It’s a two-to-three-week injury typically,” Harley said.

“It’s really a pain management issue once you can move your arm above your shoulder, if anyone’s done an AC joint in the past.

“He’s on our rookie list so at this point in time there wasn’t a spot available for him to play, however he has been in fantastic form and he’ll be sorely missed in the next week or so.

“By the same token, we don’t see any lone-term complications with that injury.”

Edwards has averaged 21 disposals in his four NEAFL matches this season and was one of the Swans’ best in last weekend’s clash, collecting 13 touches and four inside 50s, before the injury.

A disappointed Rhyce Shaw added that Edwards will be a big loss.

“Shauny has been playing really good footy – probably our most consistent so far,” the coach said.

“He was in line for another good game so it’s disappointing. Hopefully he gets himself right and gets back as soon as possible.”

Edwards joins Kieren Jack (hip), Sam Naismith (knee), Dane Rampe (arm), Dan Robinson (shoulder) and Alex Johnson (knee) on the injury list.

Kurt Tippett, Jarrad McVeigh, Gary Rohan and Harry Marsh will all be assessed later in the week to see if they’re available for Sunday’s clash with Brisbane.