There are more unwanted injury concerns for the Tigers, with champion Dustin Martin joining veterans Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch in rehab after suffering a minor ankle injury.
The 32-year-old rolled his ankle at training last week but was seen lightly jogging alongside his premiership teammates on Monday before leaving the track.
Richmond hopes he can make a full return this week but will likely nurse the three-time North Smith medallist with caution.
Lynch and Prestia are also waiting to return to full training, with Lynch gradually increasing his workload after last year's foot injury, while Prestia tends to his perpetual hamstring concerns.
With some experts predicting a rough year for Richmond in their first year under Adam Yze, preseason injuries to their three most experienced stars will not ease the anxiety of pessimistic Tigers supporters.
Dustin Martin is out of contract at the end of the year and a potential move to the Gold Coast remains on the table, especially if injury concerns continue dragging into the year.
The Tigers will meet the Suns at Heritage Bank Stadium in Opening Round to kick off their season against former coach Damien Hardwick on Saturday, March 9.