Johnson had a knee arthroscopy at Epworth Hospital and is expected to remain on the sidelines for several weeks.
Richmond doctor Greg Hickey assured Tiger fans that Johnson’s injury was not likely to keep him off the field for an extended period.
“Kane has experienced ongoing issues since he suffered a knee injury against Collingwood in round two of the NAB Cup,” Dr Hickey told richmondfc.com.au.
“He has sustained only minor damage to his cartilage but it will require a clean up,” he said.
"I would expect he would be out of action for several weeks.”
The Tigers travel to Shepparton on Friday for a NAB Challenge fixture against St Kilda, which will mark the return of Graham Polak to senior football.
Recently drafted rookie Andrew Browne has been named in the squad to make his debut for the Tigers.
Dream Team watch – Kane Johnson is rated a $415,600 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
