Collingwood forward Jordan De Goey has made rapid progress from finger surgery that could have him in line for the final two matches of the Pies' bid for finals.
Fears last month had De Goey missing the remainder of the home and away season, however after a strong block of running training, will be back sooner than expected.
The Pies have targeted a potential return as soon as round 16 – when the Pies AFL side have the bye – which may have De Goey featuring in a form of match practice.
"Jordan's hand injury is coming along really well," Pies head of football Geoff Walsh said on Thursday.
"He's done a lot of aerobic work in the last couple of weeks and in fact the latest report is that (its') quite possible we'll see him resuming certainly before the end of the home and away season."
The Pies have also passed Isaac Quaynor fit for selection against Carlton on Sunday after a gash to his shin sustained in round 10 required stitches.
Forward Brody Mihocek will need to pass training on Friday to be fully cleared of concussion that had him miss Monday's win over North Melbourne.
Adam Treloar has started ramping up his return from another hamstring setback and is hopeful of featuring before finals.
Ben Reid (hamstring) remains at three weeks, however there is no certainty on timelines for Jeremy Howe (knee), Will Kelly (elbow) and Brayden Sier (quad).
