The phrase "potential replacement" means someone or something that could possibly take the place of someone or something else in the future. Full definition
It did not seem technologically important, however, until scientists began looking at potential replacements for silicon in electronics. (discovermagazine.com)
This will of course ensure that they will only be included as potential replacements strictly within their respective categories. (moneysmartsblog.com)
Immediately, every tech site worth its salt was offering up lists of potential replacements, but few really had any concrete endorsements. (stemlegal.com)