Ireland's James Ryan to see specialist over seriousness of wrist injury
The 27-year-old suffered the injury in the epic 13-8 win over defending champions South Africa last month but Kearney did not specify if it was the same wrist that was being examined following Saturday's 36-14 thrashing of Scotland.
Ireland face New Zealand in a blockbuster quarter-final in Paris on Saturday.
"James Ryan is seeing a specialist and we're hoping for better news than originally anticipated," said Kearney at a press conference.
"We won't have a definitive on James until after he sees the specialist but certainly there would be more optimism around James than probably what was originally anticipated."
Kearney said for the moment there was no reason to call up a replacement for Ryan, who did not start the Scotland game but came on in the second half.
"No call-ups, no one added to the squad, and at this stage, no one ruled out for the match against New Zealand," said Kearney.
He said the news on the other injured players ahead of Saturday's quarter-final was more encouraging.
"Mack Hansen took a bang to his calf but is improving," said Kearney. "Both him and James Lowe are making good strides.
"Keith Earls and Robbie Henshaw are both in contention as they progress during the week.
"Apart from that, just some usual bumps and bruises after a physical Test match."
