Cox, 22, hasn鈥檛 played a game in 2025 as he continued to deal with the effects of concussion and fronted the AFL panel which has this year ordered the medical retirement of West Coast premiership veteran Jeremy McGovern.
But panel has provided 鈥渁 clear return-to-play pathway鈥 for Cox, after stepping away from football completely for the remainder of the year.
Despite being forced to the sidelines, Cox said he would be back.
鈥淎fter meeting with an independent AFL medical panel regarding my concussion history, I鈥檓 pleased that I鈥檝e been cleared to continue my playing career,鈥 he said
鈥淲hile I鈥檓 disappointed that I won鈥檛 return to the field for the remainder of the 2025 season, this time away from the game will be used to focus fully on my health, recovery, and building the strongest possible foundation heading into pre-season.
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly grateful to my club, teammates, medical staff, and everyone who has supported me through what鈥檚 been a challenging and uncertain period. I鈥檝e learned a lot about myself over the past few months, and I鈥檓 more motivated than ever to get back to doing what I love.
鈥淢y focus now is on continuing to work closely with specialists and the club to make sure I鈥檓 in the best place physically and mentally to return to football.鈥
Essendon football boss, Daniel McPherson, said the Bombers were 鈥渇ully committed to helping him recover both physically and mentally鈥.
鈥淎fter meeting with the panel in June, the recommendation for Nik to step away from footy for the remainder of this year was one that we accepted with the view to giving him the best chance of getting back to his best when he returns, both on and off-field,鈥 he said.
鈥淣ik will have our full support as we navigate with him the next steps in his recovery.鈥