Richmond's Ben Griffiths looks set to miss this Friday night after hurting his shoulder at the weekend.
Coach Damien Hardwick played down the injury after the Tiger's win over the GWS Giants, but defender Chris Newman said on Tuesday the 23-year-old "might be spending some time out."
"I think they just need to get that right and make sure he's feeling really fresh towards the pointy end of the season."
Richmond will also be without ruckman Ivan Maric, after he was handed a one-week ban for striking.
"It's disappointing, but hopefully we get someone stepping in and playing that role," Newman said.
"Ivan's an important part of our team, no doubt, with his leadership and the way he goes about it."
Newman did not know who would fill Maric's position in the team.
He made it clear the Tigers would not be complacent when facing Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
The Blues' form is improving – in their last three games they beat Port Adelaide and Gold Coast, and lost to the Western Bulldogs by 11 points.
But in sixth place on the ladder, the Tigers will still be strong favourites to win the match.
"Looking forward to the challenge this week, Carlton have played some really good football over the past month," Newman said.
"They're up and about, we'll have to be playing our best on Friday night."
