Richmond must cope with a growing injury list as they prepare for their AFL season opener against Carlton.

While the Tigers will still start favourites against the resetting Blues, the gap between the two teams is shortening.

Their vice-captain Brett Deledio is already sidelined with a quad muscle injury.

Also on Monday night, star forward Jack Riewoldt confirmed Richmond’s No.1 ruckman Ivan Maric will probably miss the Easter Thursday clash because of a sore back.

Shaun Grigg (thumb) is another unlikely starter, while Reece Conca (hamstring) and Carlton recruit Chris Yarran (foot) are out of action for several weeks.

One good bit of news is that Shane Edwards (shoulder) should play against Carlton.

The situation will be clearer after Tuesday’s main training session.

“Ivan has a little bit of a sore back,” Riewoldt told 3AW.

“I know at the moment he’s given his all to really give himself every chance of playing on Thursday night.

“(But) we’re not going to go into round one with any players who are unprepared or under any injury cloud.

“As much as we’d love to Ivan … it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we won’t be risking any players in round one, just because it’s round one and the start of the season.”

Maric’s absence would leave Ty Vickery, Ben Griffiths and former Carlton ruckman Shaun Hampson as the candidates to ruck against Blues star Matthew Kreuzer.

Richmond admit they are unsure whether Deledio will play in round two against Collingwood as their star utility recovers from another leg injury.

“We’d expect him to be available, but these things can change, as well as we’ve seen even over the last few days,” Tigers football manager Dan Richardson said.