King has missed two matches with a shoulder injury that coach Ross Lyon initially thought would end his star forward's season.
The 23-year-old had an arthroscopy on the troublesome shoulder, avoiding a reconstruction, and was expected to be sidelined for four weeks.
But Lyon said King has since taken steps forward on the training track.
The 202cm spearhead won't play against Hawthorn on Sunday but is pushing to make a direct return to the senior side against Carlton in round 21.
"He's an outside chance for next week," Lyon told reporters on Wednesday.
"He's progressing really well ... he's doing a bit of joining in early (with) football stuff."
Howard fractured his left scaphoid during last week's scrappy eight-point win over North Melbourne and will undergo surgery on Thursday, with the Saints yet to put a timeline on his recovery.
The picture is clearer for tall forward Tim Membrey, who will make his comeback from a knee injury in the reserves this week.
The experienced goal-kicker has not played since round nine.
"He's had long-term rehab, he's progressing beautifully," Lyon said.
"It's been significant not having him and Max nearly all year and we've been really a tender age in our front half.
"We're excited where Tim's got himself to ... he's worked really hard."
Membrey and King combined for 86 goals under former coach Brett Ratten last year but injuries have prevented them from featuring in the same team this season.
"If we can get them back at the pointy end, that would be nice," Lyon said.
Zaine Cordy (concussion) and Jack Hayes (hamstring) are available for selection against Hawthorn.
St Kilda will start favourites but Lyon is wary of an "elite" Hawks midfield, led by James Worpel and rising star Jai Newcombe.
On paper, there are tougher tests ahead for the Saints in the run home.
They face fellow finals hopefuls Carlton, Richmond and Geelong, as well as top-four outfit Brisbane, over the final month of the home-and-away season.
