The top Tiger has been twice hospitalised with a mystery gastric complaint, but has trained well over the last week and looks certain to be named to play.
Cousins debuted for Richmond in the first round last year - after a year out of football when he was deregistered by the AFL - but injured his hamstring early in the final term of that match and missed the following five weeks.
But Richmond defender Kel Moore said he expected the 2005 Brownlow medalist to bring some experience to the young Tigers team, along with the only other player over 30 on the Richmond list, ruckman Troy Simmonds, who was carrying an ankle earlier in the year.
"He's going very well - I think he is likely to play," he told afl.com.au. "All reports are that he's going to play.
"Along with Simmo, at his age he's looking fitter and stronger than ever - you just see him train and he's got such a wise head on his shoulders that he just knows where to go, where to get the ball."
The Tigers and the Blues kick off the season on Thursday night at the MCG in what is turning into the traditional season opener.
The Tigers were spanked in last year's game, with the Blues setting the tone for Richmond's season with an 83-point thrashing.
Moore, who turns 26 on Thursday night, said the growing tradition of the first clash of the season was adding spice to what was already a fierce rivalry.
"Everyone's just excited about round one and getting out there and playing, and to play Carlton, and to beat Carlton, would be a great start to the season.
"Considering what they did to us last year we've got a bit of payback, and it's about time we repaid all our supporters and actually got out there and put in a good performance.
"We'd be looking up towards the 80,000 (attendance) I'd have thought - it's a good opportunity to come out and see the first game of the year.
"So for all the supporters out there, get down and buy a membership, and come and support both Richmond and me, on my birthday (laughs)."
