Howard, who turns 19 next month, had surgery on a hip impingement in late December and was expected to miss a few months.
While his rehabilitation is on track, the Dogs have decided to add him to the long-term casualty list so they can keep open the option of elevating a rookie-listed player.
"At the moment he looks like he'll be two weeks away from getting out on the track and running," club media officer David McNamara said on Sunday.
Earlier, coach Rodney Eade said supporters would have to be patient with the young South Australian who was taken by the Dogs with pick No.15 in last year's draft.
"He can start running next week and then there will be a few weeks of rehab running," Eade said last week.
"Then he'll have to go through a mini pre-season. That's going to take time. He'll be eight to 10 weeks away before he's able to play.
"Everything is going well from the surgery. It was a fairly invasive surgery that he had and we wanted to get it right."
McNamara said the Dogs have decided not to elevate a rookie at this stage but wouldn't rule it out over the next two months.
Former Geelong rookie Brodie Moles, who came to the club via last year's rookie draft, could be considered to be in the best position after shining in the Dogs' round-one NAB Cup win over the Brisbane Lions in Canberra.
He also performed well against Hawthorn on Friday night and kicked a goal.
Moles, 24, is the only rookie-listed player to have played in both of the Bulldogs' pre-season matches.
He recently told the club's website his experience with the Cats had made his transition into the Bulldogs' side easier.
"I've been working hard with a few of the guys with stoppages and match practice and I've fitted in quite well," he said.
"The game style is pretty similar to Geelong. The fast pace and the way they play on pretty quick and the way they take the game on … it's all helped."
Christian Howard is a $101,500 defender in this year's AFL Toyota AFL Dream Team.
Brodie Moles is a $83,800 midfielder.
