The All Australian star limped off the field during an intra-club scratch match, but scans have revealed it was only a sprain, which the Cats are confident will be healed well before round one.
"Scans revealed a mid-foot sprain that will sideline the defender for a short period but should see him participate in later rounds of the Cats' NAB Cup/NAB Regional Challenge," a statement on the club's website said.
Midfielder James Kelly also left the field during the scratch match with an ankle sprain.
"(Kelly will be) on light training but should be right for the Cats' NAB Cup game on February 20," the statement said.
Hamstring and back injuries troubled Scarlett last season, with his total of 18 matches the lowest since 1999 when he was listed as a rookie.
Scarlett's injury came a week after captain Cameron Ling strained a hamstring at training, while defender Marcus Drum had ankle surgery in January and is likely to miss the home and away season opener.
