Although the extent of West's injury will only be determined by scans on Monday, the news doesn't look good for the former Geelong premiership player.
West's likely long-term absence leaves a gaping hole in the Lions' ruck stocks, with number one option Matthew Leuenberger (knee) still eight weeks from returning.
Martin has been plagued by leg injuries this season, but after two strong games in the reserves, Leppitsch said he was the favourite to step in.
However, the Lions coach did not rule out the option of elevating basketball convert Archie Smith from the rookie list to make his debut against the Western Bulldogs next weekend.
Smith has been a revelation since taking up the game a little over 12 months ago, and clearly has Leppitsch excited.
"I love the way Archie plays," he said.
"He's a basketball convert and they're real exciting to watch and I think his work around the ruck would be terrific, but it's just if the kid's ready. I don't want to throw him in if he needs time.
"Stef's the mature head, has come back from injury and played a couple of games.
"At this point in time, unless things change, he's the logical choice, but in my heart, I would like to see another one (debutant) go around."
Smith, 18, turned his back on basketball offers from up to eight Division One colleges in the United States and decided to give AFL a go.
West has done an outstanding job deputising for Leuenberger since his round four meniscus injury.
"Initial reports didn't sound good, but you'd hate to go off what was run down the phone to you by the doc," Leppitsch said.
"He doesn't look great … I haven't had confirmation other than that from them."
Leppitsch said his first thought when West went down was "can this year get any worse?" but he quickly found the resolve of his group, led by makeshift option Daniel Merrett.
"I think what this year will do for us is build a resilient group in the long run, which is a great thing," he said.
