And unless there is a change in fortune, it may take until the arrival of the January transfer window before there is any movement.
Jewell is believed to have taken in Premiership reserve games on Monday evening and again last night to run the rule over possible targets.
But the majority of top flight sides aren't prepared to let players leave until they are free to bring in replacements in the New Year.
Another option is to look abroad, with Latics believed to be looking at targets in Denmark and Sweden, but they'd have to wait for the transfer window to open in January.
Jewell said: "In my weaker moments I have thought there are certain players out there who would do okay and that we could go for them.
"However, that has not been my principle in my time here, and I soon remind myself that I must stay with what I believe in because that is what has worked in the past.
"The success we have had here is based on trying to do the right things, so I'm ill at ease in moving away from that plan of action.
"I have one or two players in mind who I would like to bring in but it is tough to get them at the moment, especially from Premiership clubs.
"It's that type of player we are looking for, and hopefully something can happen."
Ideally, Jewell would like to strengthen the squad before the transfer window comes into play as a busy schedule of games lies ahead.
After Saturday's clash with Leicester they go to promotion rivals Reading, before back-to-back home games with Preston and Gillingham.
Then over the Christmas and New Year period, they have five games in 15 games, starting with the visit to second-placed Ipswich on December 21.
Jewell has never liked to carry the biggest of squads, but even by his standards, the numbers are stretched at the moment.
Per Frandsen is almost certainly out for the season after undergoing surgery last week to repair his torn cruciate ligament and Jason Jarrett has yet to kick a ball this term after breaking his leg in pre-season training.
Emerson Thome is still at the rehabilitation stage following a hamstring strain, while Lee McCulloch, Nathan Ellington, Alan Mahon and Leighton Baines have been keeping the medical people busy this week.
McCulloch has managed to complete some jogging in the last two days after he strives to recover from a bruised ankle while Ellington is awaiting the results of a visit to the specialist over his shoulder problem.
Mahon has a slight stomach strain while Baines is resting after getting a bang on the head and mild concussion at QPR last Saturday.