Darcy Moore (concussion), Patrick Lipinski (concussion) and No.1 ruck Darcy Cameron (ankle) were all on the sidelines as the Magpies lost 11.15 (81) to 10.15 (75) to Sydney at the SCG on Friday.
The visitors had soared to a 33-point lead, but coughed up the ascendancy after a thrilling second-half fightback from the Swans.
Cameron's imminent return will be needed for Collingwood, who are fearing the worst for youngster Oscar Steene.
The club is expecting a full knee reconstruction for the 22-year-old, whose left knee buckled in the third quarter following a ruck contest.
"We're hopeful," McRae said of the prospects of the trio returning.
"They've done everything to now and are getting through next week, and they're likely to be available. Darcy Cameron's likely to be available.
"We'll get a few troops back. 'Pendles' will be back for his big milestone, we're looking forward to celebrating that."
McRae defended his decision to rest Pendlebury for the second time in three rounds, with the move allowing the 38-year-old to play his 433rd game and break the VFL/AFL games record in front of a home crowd at the MCG next week against West Coast.
"Would you want to celebrate the record for the most games in the history of the game here tonight -- or would you rather do it next week at the MCG?" McRae said.
"That's a simple question, and respectfully, when 'Pendles' has played that many games, we want to make sure that we celebrate him in the right manner.
"His body isn't as bulletproof as you think it is.
"Five and six-day breaks, all the data says that he's just getting to the line, and we're looking after him, and we'll celebrate him appropriately."
Jack Buller and Dan McStay were made to fill Steene's void, but struggled against an in-form Brodie Grundy.
Former Magpies ruck Grundy, who won the Goodes-O'Loughlin Medal for his best-on-ground performance, said he was left impressed by Steene.
"I hope Oscar's okay, like it looked quite bad, really," Grundy said.
"Best wishes to him. He's a great young talent.
"I've been watching him all year, and he gave me a few headaches there.
"He can jump through the roof. Best wishes to him, hopefully he's okay."
Key forward Tim Membrey (hamstring) could also return for the Magpies, while midfielder Harry Perryman is at least two weeks away.
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