Here's the latest on the Capitals' injury situation to open 2023-24.

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are dealing with injuries yet again to open the 2023-24 campaign, but they could be close to getting some key names back in the mix.

Per Spencer Carbery, Max Pacioretty is expected to start skating sooner rather than later as he works his way back from his second torn Achilles in a span of five months. It will be the first time he's taken the ice since the injury.

Seeing him work back toward a spot in the lineup will be huge for Washington, especially with the team looking to keep the ball rolling offensively. Pacioretty had three goals in five games played with the Carolina Hurricanes last season.

The 33-year-old is in D.C. and has joined the team off-ice and at games. His sons are also playing hockey in Reston, Virginia.

Meanwhile, Charlie Lindgren took a big step forward, as he took part in the full morning skate before the game against the Minnesota Wild and appeared to be in good spirits. The 29-year-old was injured during the team's optional morning skate prior to the second game of the season against the Calgary Flames. He will not dress against the Wild, but is getting close.

Nic Dowd remains day-to-day "to a certain extent" with an upper-body injury, according to Carbery. He has not played since the 3-2 shootout win over the Flames, where he didn't appear to be 100 percent. Dowd has skated since then but has yet to join the team for a full practice or full morning skate.

On the blue line, Rasmus Sandin is questionable for Washington vs. Minnesota after leaving Wednesday's win over the New Jersey Devils with an undisclosed injury. He had been shaken up after an open-ice hit from Jonas Siegenthaler. Sandin took part in the morning skate ahead of the Wild tilt and appeared to be good to go while skating on the second pairing, but Carbery said it's uncertain whether or not he'll be in the mix.

Finally, Joel Edmundson continues to take part in skates ahead of practice but has not joined the team since breaking his hand in a training camp scrimmage and undergoing successful surgery. He remains in a non-contact jersey and has started to practice shooting along the boards.