Schulz could miss as many as 10 weeks

Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz could be out of action for as long as 10 weeks, coach ken Hinkley has revealed.

Schulz was a late withdrawal from the Power's Round 2 side and also missed last week's win over Essendon at Adelaide Oval due to a persistent back complaint.

Injections have so far been unable to clear the 30-year-old of pain, with the club now considering sending the former Tiger in for surgery.

"Jay had surgery last year at the end of the season and there's a possibility that he may have something similar needed to be done," Hinkley told Channel Nine on Monday night.

"Worst case, if he did need surgery I think it's an eight to 10-week recovery, so it still gives him plenty of time to get back this year."

Schulz has kicked 265 goals in 116 games for Port Adelaide since crossing from Richmond at the end of 2009.