Richmond caretaker coach Andrew McQualter has shut down suggestions senior players were rested for Friday's crucial clash with the Western Bulldogs, while two more names could miss next week's action.
Both Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin were unable to be cleared for the match due to soreness and a five-day turnaround heading into the game, with McQualter noting after the 55-point loss, no player was rested for the must-win encounter.
Grimes had woken up with a neck issue on Friday morning that had been reported earlier in the week, with the Richmond co-captain and Martin and Cotchin expected to play next week against St Kilda.
Speaking to media after the match, McQualter said no players were given the option to be rested, taking a fully fit and fresh lineup into the Dogs clash.
"We picked a fit team, we picked guys ready to go," the Richmond interim coach said.
"For the most part, after quarter time, I thought their effort was actually okay. We still had guys chasing really hard late into the game but it was well and truly over by that stage.
"We didn't rest anyone this week, just to be really clear. There was no one chosen to rest. The players who didn't play were not available to be picked. They weren't ready to play a game of AFL footy tonight.
"It's pretty clear we'd have loved Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin and Dylan Grimes in our team tonight, they help us a lot. Unfortunately, they weren't available to play.
"It's just accumulative load, (Martin) just wasn't ready to play tonight."
While the trio of Tigers veterans will likely come back into McQualter's side for Round 22, star midfielder Jacob Hopper won't line up against the Saints after suffering a concussion in Friday's defeat.
A head collision with Bulldog Adam Treloar required Hopper to undergo the required testing on the sidelines after making his way from the field after close to five minutes in play, with Richmond's doctor making the call to place Hopper into concussion protocols.
"I spoke to him briefly after the game. He was standing up, chatting away," McQualter said of the Tigers recruit.
"I don't have a report on it, but he was okay. Clearly, he's going to miss next week as well which is disappointing for the team but we're going to take care of him.
Defender Daniel Rioli could join Hopper in missing next Sunday's match after battling through an ankle injury early into the defeat to the Bulldogs.
Rioli underwent medical assessment for a large period of the first half before making his return to the field, with Richmond likely to have subbed Rioli out of the match later into the night had Hopper not suffered a head knock.
McQualter said the club is yet to learn the full extent of Rioli's injury, remaining hopeful the speedy flanker will be available for the club's final few weeks.
"He was sore. Daniel's pretty tough," McQualter said.
"We spoke about taking him off late into the game when it was all over but he was able to fight through and keep playing for our team which was important.
"It's too early to say (if Rioli will be available next week). I'm not sure what Daniel's injury is."
The loss to the Western Bulldogs leaves Richmond susceptible to falling as low as 14th on the ladder by the conclusion of Round 21. The Tigers are scheduled to face fellow finals hopefuls St Kilda next week before matchups against North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
