Trent Cotchin has suffered a setback in his attempt to overcome a hamstring strain and won't return for at least a few more weeks.
The Richmond skipper, who hasn't played since getting injured in the Tigers' Round 3 loss to GWS, has experienced soreness during the rehabilitation process.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said the club would reduce his workload.
"Unfortunately Trent hasn't responded the way we would have liked with his hamstring, so he's probably a little further away than we would have liked," Hardwick said.
"We probably envisaged that he would play next week but that's not going to be the case now.
"It's a little bit disappointing - he was at full speed, pretty much, it just hasn't responded the way we would have liked.
"We'll pull him back a little bit and wait to see where it goes from there."
Hardwick was asked whether Cotchin had suffered another small tear in his hamstring.
"It's hard to say," said Hardwick.
"We haven't had the medical reports yet but we do know he's not feeling comfortable."
In brighter news for the Tigers, spearhead Jack Riewoldt is a confirmed starter for Wednesday night's ANZAC Eve clash at the MCG.
Riewoldt sustained a wrist injury in Round 2 and hasn't played since.
"He'll play. He's looking really good," Hardwick said.
"He was very close last week...he's done everything, he's ahead of schedule."
Daniel Rioli and Sydney Stack are expected to face the Demons, despite suffering knocks during the Round 5 win over Sydney on Saturday night.
