RICHMOND has received some good news in the wake of its 83-point thrashing by Carlton, with Ben Cousins and Andrew Raines a possibility of returning to action within a month.

Both limped from the MCG in the final term of Thursday night’s season opener with leg injuries.

Cousins, who is no stranger to hamstring trouble, suffered a grade-one hamstring strain – considered minor for that type of injury.

Richmond football operations manager Ross Monaghan said the club had feared the 30-year-old had injured himself more severely when the ex-Eagle went down dramatically and clutched at the back of his leg

“His condition today is better than what we expected,” Monaghan said.

“We will take a conservative approach to treating Ben’s injury, and he is expected to be on the sidelines for three-four weeks.”

Raines was helped from the ground with a knee injury, which has been diagnosed as a lateral meniscus tear.

“At this stage he is expected to miss three or four weeks, but if the damage is worse than expected, he could be out for a longer period,” Monaghan said.