RICHMOND veteran Chris Newman will be sidelined for up to a month after scans on his injured knee revealed bone bruising but no structural damage.

The 31-year-old former skipper landed awkwardly in a marking contest during the third quarter of Richmond's NAB Challenge loss to Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

He hobbled from the field and did not take any further part in the match.

It was initially feared that he might have suffered a season-ending injury, but the Tigers are now hoping he could be fit to line up in their home and away season opener against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on March 15.