The Reds injury curse deepened after it was confirmed that Ben Tapuai has a broken collar bone but there was some light in the camp as Digby Ioane can return this week.
Tapuai's collarbone was broken in a tackle by Stormers centre Juan de Jongh and he is now expected to miss the next 10 weeks which means he could return for the final weeks of of Super Rugby.
The other blow for the Reds was the loss of Sam Lane who needs a knee reconstruction and is out for the season.
Second rower Van Humphries has also been ruled out for a week with an arm injury.
The good news is that Digby Ioane has served his suspension and is ready to play this weekend in Round 10 while Quade Cooper is on track to return in Round 12 when they play the Chiefs.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie says that Ioane will return for Friday night's game against the Blues in Auckland.
However due to the injuries McKenzie may have to start Ioane in the No.13 jersey rather than on the wing.
McKenzie says that he "would have a good look at" selecting Ioane at No.13, "because that way you keep your back three intact, and you're not having to change combinations".
"Digby's return is good timing, but we still don't have any depth, particularly in the backs," McKenzie said.
"We've just got enough to play each week. We train with one back line and end up playing with another."
Even though the Reds lost by 10 points to the Stormers McKenzie said he was encouraged by how Ben Lucas, who replaced the injured Lane at No.10, and inside-centre Mike Harris performed after they both returned from a month out.
"You have to remember that Ben and Mike haven't played for five weeks," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"So I thought we adapted pretty well. When you bring blokes in like that without any real background, you suffer a bit with your combinations.
"Look at the Brumbies at the moment. They've going well, and they're getting by with the same guys each week. You can't beat combinations which develop over time.
"But I'm feeling confident the wheels are starting to turn our way."
