Richmond are cautious on whether Ben Cousins will be rushed back from injury to steel a side desperately needing his experience against AFL surprise packets Sydney next weekend.

The Tigers midfielder missed his side's 72-point pasting by the Western Bulldogs on Sunday with knee soreness.

It came after a pre-season interrupted by two stints in hospital with a mystery stomach complaint, as well as a below-par season opener against Carlton the previous week.

Coach Damien Hardwick was non-committal on whether Cousins would make the trip to the SCG, wanting the 32-year-old to train fully this week before he gets the green light.

"He's a possibility. He's got to get through training and we'll see how he goes from there," Hardwick said.

Important midfielder Nathan Foley is also some chance of making his return from a long-standing ankle problem in the VFL reserves next weekend.

Foley has not played since midway through last season when he injured his ankle, and a flare-up of the injury forced further surgery during the pre-season.

But the Tigers vice-captain is nearing a comeback, though Hardwick is wary about rushing him back after his long absence.

"We're not putting a timeline on Nathan - when he's ready he's ready," Hardwick said.

"He's an important player for us. We've got to monitor his training and when he's available and ready to play we go from there."

Hardwick spent the entire match against the Bulldogs coaching from the sidelines rather than the customary coaches' box.

It's a tactic the rookie coach hasn't ruled out using again as he gets to know his players and attempts to have a more direct influence in matches than via chats on the phone from on high.

"For our young players you're able to coach them better - give them direct feedback," Hardwick said,.

"You can actually empower the guys a bit better - send them back on with some instructions."

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