A training mishap will see Richmond forward Noah Cumberland miss multiple matches after entering concussion protocols on Thursday.
Cumberland was in line to play against St Kilda on Sunday at Marvel Stadium before suffering a head knock late into the club's main session midweek, with the Tigers confirming at selection later that evening that the fringe forward won't be available to play in Round 22.
Entering the mandatory 12-day concussion protocols, Cumberland will also be absent for Richmond's Round 23 matchup with North Melbourne next Saturday.
The setback adds to a frustrating year for the 22-year-old, who has been in and out of the Tigers' senior side on several occasions in 2023, with his return last Friday against the Western Bulldogs just his second appearance since Round 12.
Both injury and form have played a part in an arduous campaign for Cumberland, who has booted eight goals from his nine appearances this year as he searches to find the form that had him cemented in the Tigers' lineup for their final eight games of last season.
Former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick flagged earlier this season that Cumberland would find it hard to earn a spot in the club's AFL side given the similar role he provides in the attacking third is often taken upon by triple Norm Smith Medal winner Dustin Martin.
Martin will make his return this week from soreness as one of four potential inclusions, with fellow veteran Dylan Grimes overcoming a neck issue that saw him miss the Dogs clash while Samson Ryan and Thomson Dow have been named on the extended bench after strong spells at VFL level.
Cumberland was joined by midfielder Jacob Hopper in making way at selection, with the Tigers recruit also suffering a concussion and unable to play this weekend.
Richmond will reduce their extended squad on Friday evening at 5:00pm (AEST), with Dow, Ryan, Sam Banks, Nathan Broad, Ivan Soldo, Hugo Ralphsmith, Marlion Pickett and Rhyan Mansell also named on the interchange.
The Tigers enter Round 22 needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, while their opponents, St Kilda, are in a similar position after sliding to seventh on the ladder.
Richmond are six points off the Saints and the top eight drop-off, with a near-perfect run home over the final three weeks needed to see them return to the finals frame.
Following their clash with the Saints on Sunday, the Tigers will face the Kangaroos next weekend before a concluding match against flag contenders Port Adelaide in South Australia.
Richmond and St Kilda will go head-to-head at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 3:20pm.
