Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey will miss at least the next two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Dempsey suffered the injury early in the first quarter against Geelong on Sunday, but he managed to play out the game and picked up 14 possessions.

“Unfortunately for ‘Demps’ he got a small tear low on his hamstring,” Essendon’s Head Physiotherapist Peter Blanch said.

“He was a strong soldier and battled out most of the game with that for us.

“It’s probably going to keep him out at least two weeks and maybe the season.”

Dempsey has played 13 games this year, including the last ten straight.

After ending last season in attack, the 28 year old has returned to his more familiar role as a rebounding defender under John Worsfold.