Lions coach Michael Voss insists Jonathan Brown's toughness and professionalism will see Brisbane's injury-affected skipper bounce back into form.

Brown was eased back onto the training paddock on Thursday, beginning a modified program to get him fully fit again within six weeks.

The power forward has been well below his best in the past month due to an abdominal muscle tear which halted his fantastic start to the AFL season, reaping 19 goals in the first four rounds.

Former Lions Marcus Ashcroft, Clark Keating and Brad Hardie are among those who believe Brown should be rested from playing but Voss will continue to keep him on the field in Saturday night's clash with Collingwood at the Gabba.

The second-year coach said his confident captain was the best judge on whether he should play, and expected his touch to return with his time back on the training paddock.

"If over a period of time you can't train that's going to be a factor, but he's going to get out here and do some work today and gradually increase that load," Voss said.

"He's good (mentally). Browny is pretty resilient.

"He's a very tough guy and his exterior is always one that exudes confidence in people around him (and) that's why he's our skipper.

"He's a guy that knows his body better than anybody else.

"Over a long period of time he's got to know what it takes for him to get himself right.

"If there is a better professional out there about knowing what it takes to get up for a game I'd like to hear it."

Brown visited a groin specialist in Adelaide last week and has been told a break of one or two weeks would make little difference to his recovery.

"I know it won't be until I kick a couple of bagfuls that I will convince people I should be playing," he told News Ltd.

Voss is set to recall veteran Travis Johnstone for the Magpies encounter as a replacement for injured vice-captain Jed Adcock.

Adcock is facing eight weeks on the sidelines after Thursday undergoing surgery on the foot he fractured in the two-goal loss to Adelaide.

"Obviously (Johnstone's) ability to use the footy is a strength of his so to get him back into the side is going to be important."

Voss also dumped Richmond recruit Andrew Raines and Cheynee Stiller in favour of Tom Collier and Sam Sheldon following five straight losses.

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