CHRIS Judd will begin his 2012 campaign in next week's match between Carlton and the Brisbane Lions in Maroochydore.

The Blues skipper has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the pre-season and watched on as his side lost to Adelaide, Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

But Carlton coach Brett Ratten said after the loss against the Bulldogs on Sunday that Judd would lead Carlton out in the third week of the NAB Cup.

The dual Brownlow medallist will be joined by Jarrad Waite, Andrew Walker, Mitch Robinson and Nick Duigan.

Defender Michael Jamison is expected to return from a back injury for the following week's game against North Melbourne.

But the Blues will lose defender Jeremy Laidler who dislocated a kneecap in the second quarter of the Bulldogs loss.

Ratten said it was difficult to properly manage the workload of his players under the experimental two substitute rule being trialed in the NAB Cup, expressing fear that players could struggle as the year wore on if the rule was implemented in the home and away season.

"I think with the two-sub rule when players have got to play 90 plus per cent in the quarters you have to look at everything especially when most of the players towards the end of the game didn't look like they had a lot of energy," Ratten said.

"I hope they're all going to get through by round 15."

Ratten said the rule was restrictive not only in managing senior players but also in giving young players a taste of senior football.

"It's pretty hard to develop kids when you know even though they play a quarter they've got to play 90 plus per cent in those quarters. I don't know if it helps the development of players to be gassed and fatigued," he said.

"Where do they go from there with injury? Lists are only so big and it does make it hard, especially if you get injuries to your key players. It's something they are experimenting with and we'll see what the outcome is I suppose."

Luke Holmesby is a reporter for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_Luke