Collingwood star Adam Treloar's hamstring injury is worse than first thought, reports SEN's Sam Edmund.
Treloar suffered a hamstring setback during last week's clash against Sydney that was only considered to be minor.
But Edmund reports Treloar's injury will sideline him for five to six weeks in what would be a race against time to return for the Pies' potential finals campaign.
However, there is good news on Collingwood's injury front. Star duo Jeremy Howe and Jordan De Goey are considered "highly likely" to play again this year.
Howe is reportedly weeks ahead of schedule after rupturing his PCL and doing damage to his medial ligament damage during Collingwood's Round 5 clash against GWS.
The gun defender's rate of recovery has "stunned observers", with members from Essendon's staff surprised with his impressive progress at the Gold Coast transition hub.
Coming off a dominant five-goal haul against Geelong last month, De Goey required surgery to repair a flexor tendon in his finger.
The out-of-contract forward has reportedly maintained fitness during his injury and firming to return towards the end of the season.
Getting the trio back for finals would be a major boost for Nathan Buckley's side.
Skipper Scott Pendlebury (quad) is expected to return in the next couple of games, while Darcy Moore (managed), Jamie Elliott (ear) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (knee) could all play this week.
The Magpies face Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday at 5.10pm AEST.