Martin Corry could regain the England captaincy for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations showdown with title favourites France – just two months and three Tests after he lost it.
England’s worrying injury problems mean skipper Phil Vickery and another potential leader – fly-half Jonny Wilkinson – are battling to face the French at Twickenham.
And that might open the door for Leicester number eight Corry, who captained England throughout 2006 when the world champions suffered a record-equalling seven successive Test defeats.
One of England head coach Brian Ashton’s first moves after he replaced Andy Robinson was to appoint Vickery as skipper.
But the 30-year-old Wasps tighthead suffered concussion during his club’s Guinness Premiership victory against Bristol on Sunday, and will be subjected to an on-going medical review over the next 48 hours.
Vickery required treatment on the pitch at Adams Park before being helped to his feet by medical staff.
He is now following the Rugby Football Union/Premier Rugby "concussion management protocol," before any decision is made on his fitness.
Wilkinson, meanwhile, was due to undergo a scan on his right hamstring.
England’s record points-scorer overcame a hamstring fitness scare before the record RBS 6 Nations defeat against Ireland last month, but his availability at Croke Park remained in the balance until less than 24 hours before kick-off.
Wilkinson limped off late in Newcastle’s heavy league defeat against London Irish on Saturday.
If he is sidelined – the Falcons star has featured in just three of England’s last 33 Tests due to his well-chronicled injury problems – then Newcastle colleague Toby Flood would be an obvious replacement.
Uncapped Shane Geraghty could also be considered though, after he starred for Irish, scoring 23 points in a game watched by Ashton and RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew.
Geraghty has been drafted into England’s training squad at Bath University, joining Sale Sharks forwards Stuart Turner and Chris Jones in providing "precautionary cover" for Wilkinson, Vickery and Bath lock Steve Borthwick (ribs) respectively.
Borthwick is expected to train on Wednesday, but centre Andy Farrell might not even get that far.
Farrell is receiving treatment for "acute lower back pain," with a decision on his fitness expected tomorrow.
The 31-year-old missed Saracens’ Premiership appointment with Sale on Sunday, and he is also under pressure to retain his midfield place after a largely ineffective display in Dublin.
