England are still sweating on whether Marcus Smith could miss the entire Six Nations with a calf problem.
Steve Borthwick's men will be without Harlequins fly-half Smith in Saturday's Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome, but fears still remain that his injury could prove longer term.
England could also be without scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who is battling an infected cut on his leg and might not recover in time to feature at the Stadio Olimpico.
Quins' livewire playmaker Smith suffered a calf problem in England training on Monday, leaving the Red Rose camp on crutches and heading for scans.
England are still waiting for the results of a second opinion, but extended examinations on Smith's calf have been carried out to pinpoint how quickly he can return to action.
Borthwick now finds his England side in the grip of a deepening injury crisis, though the head coach will still be confident in the strength of the new-look XV he will be able to field in Rome.
Northampton's uncapped 21-year-old fly-half Fin Smith is now primed for his Test debut, and could even start given his fine form for the Saints.
Sale's vastly-experienced No10 George Ford is also available but has battled knee niggles and that could perhaps tip the balance in Fin Smith's favour this weekend.
Should scrum-half Mitchell not find fitness in time for Saturday, then evergreen Quins stalwart Danny Care would likely step in to start at 9.
Mitchell's absence would leave England with just four of the 17 backs selected for the autumn's World Cup.
Former captain Owen Farrell has stood down from Test duty, Manu Tuilagi is missing with a groin problem, and form centre Ollie Lawrence has hip trouble.
Up front, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, prop Bevan Rodd, locks George Martin and Nick Isiekwe and flanker Tom Curry are all injured.
