Murphy, 26, has been nursed through the pre-season after having major knee surgery at the end of last season on his patella tendon, and is yet to play a game in 2009.
He was a late withdrawal from the Bulldogs' round one win over Fremantle at Subiaco, with coach Rodney Eade saying post-match that Murphy's return might be through the lower leagues.
Williamstown coach Brad Gotch said he would be prepared for Murphy's inclusion but would expect the goal-kicker to quietly slot into the side if available.
"Murph might play with me, but I'll believe that when I see it later in the week," he told westernbulldogs.com.au.
"They've been talking about it for a few weeks so we've just got to wait and see.
"I think it will be a last-minute call if he comes in."
Eade said on Sunday evening Murphy's recovery was a week-by-week proposition.
"I know coaches can tell some porky pies at times and play some ducks and drakes but really it's going to be one where he could be right next week or he could be right in three weeks," he said in Perth.
"His thigh needs to get stronger and he needs to get more confidence. His fitness levels are OK, so once that's attainable he'll be able to play.
"It could be next week, it's more likely round three, but it could be round four or it might be round two.
"I don't know. It's one of those ones where he could turn the corner quickly."
The Bulldogs are also happy with how defender Tom Williams pulled up after his late inclusion for Sunday's game.
The match was the 22-year-old's first senior game since round 13 last year after shoulder and quad problems ended his season prematurely.
"It's a really pleasing sign for him and for us," footballer operations manager James Fantasia said.
"He got under the radar with the late inclusion, which was really good for him.
"He was probably in a pretty good place because he was ready and at the level we expected him to be at, at this time of year.
"That was a bonus in the scheme of things. The only thing was he hadn't played a lot of footy.
"But he got through it and he played pretty well."
