Dropped to NSW Cup last week to work on his defence, Sloan was forced to watch on as the Dragons were beaten 46-10 by Penrith in the top grade.
His replacement, Mat Feagai, suffered a head knock early, ruling him out of the rest of the clash in Wollongong and Saturday's date with the Storm.
Flanagan could have opted to keep Zac Lomax at the back, after he replaced Feagai there against the Panthers, but he has instead opted to hand Sloan back his No.1 jersey.
His reprieve came on a big day of returnees in the NRL's team lists.
Joey Manu is back at centre for the Sydney Roosters' top-eight clash with the Dolphins in Perth, after recovering from a broken hand.
Manu will slot straight back into his right centre role with Michael Jennings copping a two-match suspension from the win over Manly.
Joey Manu is assisted from the field after injuring his hand against the Tigers. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
Stephen Crichton is also back for Canterbury, after missing last week's win over Brisbane due to a neck issue.
The Bulldogs have also been bolstered by Josh Addo-Carr's return for the match against Canberra at Belmore, in what will be his first game since round 13.
Fifth on the ladder with six rounds to play, Canterbury are a realistic chance of making the top four for the first time since 2012.
The Warriors' finals push has also been boosted by the returns of halfback Shaun Johnson (achilles) and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf).
Johnson has struggled to recapture his best this season, but will partner Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves for the must-win game against Parramatta.
Elsewhere, Penrith expect to be without prop James Fisher-Harris for no more than a month after scans confirmed a groin injury out of the win over the Dragons.
Lindsay Smith will start for him at home to Newcastle, while young star Isaiah Iongi will make his debut at fullback with Daine Laurie concussed and Dylan Edwards still out.
The Knights have dropped Jackson Hastings, naming Phoenix Crossland as the fifth player to start in the halves this year.
Jayden Brailey will therefore go to hooker, with the visitors another side desperately needing a win to keep pace with the top-eight race.
Brisbane have replaced Selwyn Cobbo with Corey Oates for their do-or-die match against Gold Coast, while superstar fullback Reece Walsh is fine to play after requiring ice on his knee at training on Tuesday.
North Queensland have lost Jason Taumalolo (cheekbone) for their clash with Wests Tigers, but the Cowboys have been boosted by the return of Heilum Luki (hamstring).
The Tigers welcome David Klemmer back to their pack, but will be without Fonua Pole due to a rib injury.
And Sam Stonestreet will play for Cronulla in Ronaldo Mulitalo's (knee) absence for the next month, while prop Tom Hazleton is out with a foot injury.
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