PORT Adelaide's ruck stocks could be tested further with utility Dougal Howard in doubt for Sunday's game with the Western Bulldogs with a hand injury.

Howard sustained the injury in the third quarter of the Power's 22-point loss to Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval, but finished the game.

Howard moved from defence to the ruck, allowing Charlie Dixon to go forward for the second half, and if he is sidelined, it opens the door for the Power to hand a debut to either Billy Frampton or rookie-listed big man Peter Ladhams.

"Howard's in some doubt with a hand injury, so hopefully he'll play," Power assistant coach Nathan Bassett said on Monday.

"It was a bit sore yesterday, it's less than 24 hours since we played, so we'll learn more soon, but he should be able to play with it.

"It happened during the third quarter, so hopefully he'll be OK."

Star ruckman Paddy Ryder is expected to be another week away with his hip flexor strain, while key defender Tom Jonas (knee) could return for the round 20 Showdown with Adelaide.

"Paddy starts running this week, so he's unlikely for this week, but it's a possibility," Bassett said.

"Jonas started running last week, he'll continue running this week with a view to rejoining training next week."

Frampton, 21, is in his fourth season on the Power's list after the 200cm big man was selected with the 84th pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

Ladhams, 20, has also shown promise in his two seasons on the Power's rookie list with his 203cm frame.

"The improvement in the SANFL ruckmen's form has been better," Bassett said.

"It's probably not quite where we like it, but the cost is probably greater at the moment, of moving a forward (Dixon) into the ruck."