Collingwood coach Craig McRae said that captain Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe are "unlikely" to play in Opening Round against St Kilda.
The pair are on the mend from calf injuries sustained in the pre-season, and weren't available for last week's match simulation against GWS.
McRae said Moore and Howe had recurrence in their calf injuries, and won't be pushed for the start of 2026.
"They're both unlikely to play early in Round Zero, but they're maybe touch-and-go for a little bit after that," he said on SEN.
"But they're both progressing well, they've just had recurring calf injuries, which is just part of our learning around their bodies.
"But they won't play early in the season."
The pair's absence will leave the Pies defense relatively bare, leaving the responsibilities largely to Billy Frampton and Brayden Maynard.
Reef McInnes is working his way back from an ACL injury he sustained early last year.
Untried talls Joel Cochran and Iliro Smit could put their hand up for selection in the absence of Moore and Howe.
Cochran has impressed over the summer months, and looks poised to debut in 2026 after putting on notable size and confidence to compete at the top flight.
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