Speaking on Monday, the boss said he'd be out for two-to-three weeks with the arm injury sustained in the away win over Colchester United last week, which was a lot better news than first feared.
However, the player returned to the club to take part in some of training on Thursday and though he'll miss the home match against Oldham Athletic on Saturday, in which Scunthorpe will look to make it four wins in quick succession, he will be assessed further ahead of the fixtures against Bradford City and Morecambe next week.
He told iFollow Iron: "Jem was back in the building this morning, and was involved in some of the ball work we've done, so that's great news for the football club and Jem that it isn't a long-term one. He's a good character and he was certainly making himself heard on the training ground.
"We'll have to see how he is tomorrow and make sure there are no danger signs that come up over the next couple of days. He won't be involved on Saturday, but we're hoping that he might be fine for Tuesday (the home game versus Bradford City) or the following Saturday (the trip to Morecambe)."
Cox continued: "Everybody's recovered from the exertions of the last week and training. We had a really good session today and a lot of banter flying around following a good week, but I've made sure the boys know that was last week and we need to focus on Saturday's game and getting the three points.
"I've let the boys know what I expect from now. We had a good week and now we need to make sure we keep pushing forward and picking the points up.
"We have lots of players fighting to play but the players who get the shirt need to make sure they do their best to keep it."
He also provided an update on how Transfer Deadline Day arrival Teddy Howe is bedding into the club, after the right-back joined on loan from League One side Blackpool on Monday night.
He said: "Teddy has settled in really well. He found the tempo of the training hard on the first day so we'll give him a little more time to settle in, but he knows a couple of the lads, is a good character and wants to express himself going forward.
"We've done a lot of work on him defensively already and will do more, but he and Jai Rowe will push each other for that right-back spot, and then when Jordan Clarke is back fit they'll all continue to push each other."
He also provided an update on Harrison McGahey and Kevin van Veen (both hamstring) after the centre-back and striker stepped up their return to training.
Cox added: "This is their first full week of training (since the injuries) and we're just waiting to get the stats back to see how they are, but both have trained well. Whether they'll be involved on Saturday, I'm not too sure, but hopefully they will be involved during the next week if not.
"That's the way we have to look at it with both of them and their different injuries. We have to make sure they're both raring to go and whether they start or come off the bench they're fully fit."
Speaking about the task facing his side against the Latics this weekend, Cox continued: "They have the second best away record in the division and do score a lot of goals away from home, so we have to be ready, organised and focused. They're a passing side and will be a good test but it's about what we do, and I'm sure it'll be an entertaining game.
"We have to do what we've been doing really well. We're here to win as many games as possible between now and the end of the season."
See much more from Neil Cox on iFollow Iron. Click here to get your match pass for the Iron's home game against Oldham Athletic this weekend.
