Former Crow Kurt Tippett remains an outside chance to confront Adelaide on Saturday at the SCG.

Tippett suffered a hand injury in the opening term of the Swans' Round 16 clash with Hawthorn, but played out the remainder of the game.

The 201cm, 105kg forward/ruckman trained on Tuesday, and Sydney Swans football manager Tom Harley said he could be a surprise inclusion to make his first appearance against his former club.

"It was great signs," Harley said.

"The fact he was out there with the balls is positive. He needs to do a few more things to put his name up on the selection board but that could happen as quickly as tomorrow (Thursday). So fingers crossed."

Lance Franklin appears set to return against Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday provided he passes a fitness test at training. 

Franklin was a late withdrawal from last week's match against West Coast after hurting his back during the Swans' final training session last Friday at Domain Stadium.

Harley said Thursday's main training session would determine whether the Coleman Medallist would be fit to confront the Crows.

"The good news is that Lance is a chance to play," Harley said.

"He just twinged his back and was really quite sore and not overly mobile so he flew back early and got the treatment required.

"We have training tomorrow (Thursday) morning. Lance will test himself out there and we will have a clear picture then.

"It is positive signs at this stage and hopefully Lance gets up but we will make the call later in the week."

Ruckman Mike Pyke remains in doubt after he was subbed out of last week's loss to the Eagles due to an ongoing knee issue. 

"He's carrying a knee injury at the moment," Harley said.

"It's a bit of a week-to-week proposition. It goes without saying he's a really important player for us, leading our rucks.

"He was on lighter duties yesterday, will train tomorrow and we'll reassess then. Hopefully Mike gets up and plays this week."

Ben McGlynn is also in the mix to return after his second match in the NEAFL last week since recovering from his calf injury.

Ted Richards is also available after serving a one-week suspension.