Collingwood hasn't ruled out Jeremy Howe for the Opening Round after sustaining a minor calf injury this week.
Howe re-injured his calf that has plagued him throughout the pre-season and is expected to miss the club's practice matches against GWS and North Melbourne over the next few weeks.
The premiership defender injured his calf a month ago at training, but had returned to full training before the latest setback.
Captain Darcy Moore is also working his way back from a calf injury and has been on a modified program in preparation for the beginning of the 2026 season.
The injuries to the premiership pair leave Collingwood's defence vulnerable, with Craig McRae set to rely on Reef McInnes and untried tall Joel Cochran alongside Billy Frampton.
McInnes is returning from an ACL injury from early in 2025 and was held out of the club's intra-club on Friday.
Cochran has been impressive throughout the pre-season, having put on notable size and gained more confidence in the air and on the ground.
The 2024 draftee poses as the perfect Howe replacement.
Isaac Quaynor was in full force in defence, while Beau McCreery and Dan McStay also featured as they work back from injury.
Nick Daicos and Darcy Cameron were absent due to their State of Origin requirements.
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