Brisbane are searching for another captain after Harris Andrews became the latest Lions player to join their long list of outs for AFL clash with Essendon.

Harris Andrews has joined a host of Brisbane teammates in the AFL's health and safety protocols, leaving the Lions searching for another captain to play Essendon.

The fullback was ruled out of Sunday's Gabba clash on Friday, joining seven others on the sidelines thanks to injury and illness.

Keidean Coleman, Callum Ah Chee and Dan McStay have also been forced into the AFL's health and safety protocols, while Jarrod Berry (hamstring) and Jaxon Prior (quad) were ruled out with injury.

The blows come on top of star duo Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich suffering minor hamstring injuries in last week's 41-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Mitch Robinson and Ryan Lester have been named for their returns, while Nakia Cockatoo is a chance to play his first AFL match since round five after being named on the extended bench.

Andrews was to captain the Lions in the absence of injured skipper Zorko, has been replaced in the squad by Deven Robertson.

Brisbane will name a new skipper ahead of releasing their team later on Friday.