Jamie Buhrer is pushing for an early return from injury.
Back running after having surgery on his knee, the 28-year-old is progressing at a rapid rate.
According to Physical Performance Manager, Tony Ayoub, the versatile forward will see the surgeon later this week but is on track for a comeback in Round 18, rather than Round 20 as first thought.
"He's going really well at the moment," Ayoub told newcastleknights.com.au.
"The last week or so, he's worked really hard with our physios and made a great recovery.
Injury Update: The latest on Buhrer and the Saifiti twins
"We saw a positive sign (on Monday), he was out running. We ran him on the weekend which was great. (on Monday) he upped the ante again and wanted to do more which is an absolutely fabulous sign.
"We'll continue to work on him and up the ante. We see the surgeon again on Thursday, who has done a wonderful job with the surgery. We'll play it by ear.
"He's definitely on the mark for Round 18 after our next bye but you never know with Jamie. We're hoping if he continues to improve, it might be a good headache for the coach."
WATCH THE INJURY UPDATE IN THE VIDEO ABOVE!
Meanwhile, Daniel Saifiti is recovering from his foot injury.
Like Buhrer, the prop is edging towards an early return.
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"He's a out of the boot. A good sign," Ayoub said.
"He's out of the boot a little earlier than we expected. He's got no symptoms.
"Hopefully over the next week or two we'll be able to push him.
"What we thought would be Round 20 might be Round 19 or 20."
Injured players and expected return dates:
Tautau Moga (ACL, Season)
Jacob Saifiti (Shoulder, Round 24)
Jamie Buhrer (Knee, Round 18-20)
Daniel Saifiti (Foot, Round 18-20)
Mitchell Pearce (Pectoral, Round 18-19)
Nathan Ross (Groin, Round 16)
Jacob Lillyman (Abdominal strain, Round 16)
