Injury updates on Rasmus Sandin, Pierre-Luc Dubois & Ethan Frank

Pierre-Luc Dubois was not present at practice, with reporter Tom Gulitti noting the forward is dealing with a lower-body issue. It's Dubois's second injury absence of the young season after returning from an upper-body injury just last week. The 27-year-old has appeared in only seven games for Washington this season, registering two assists and averaging just under 17 minutes of ice time per game.

While Dubois's absence is concerning, there was a clear positive on the blue line. Defenseman Rasmus Sandin practiced in a regular jersey for the first time since sustaining an upper-body injury, a strong indicator that he's been cleared for contact. Sandin has missed the past four games but looked comfortable moving and participating in all drills Monday.

His potential return could bring balance back to a defensive corps that's been juggling minutes. Before the injury, Sandin had logged five assists in 10 games and was averaging over 21 minutes a night, often taking the toughest matchups alongside John Carlson.

Also on the ice was forward Ethen Frank, who continues to recover from an upper-body injury. Frank wore a non-contact jersey, signaling he's still not quite ready for game action. The 27-year-old had impressed in limited minutes theisseason with his speed and shot.

Here's Tom Gulitti's report from today's skate:

Head coach Spencer Carbery will likely provide a clearer update before Washington's next matchup. For now, the team will hope Sandin's progress offsets the uncertainty around Dubois. With the Capitals trying to snap out of their recent skid, simply getting healthy again might be the biggest win of all.