Nankervis will serve a three-match ban for his high bump on Sydney's Jake Lloyd, leaving the Tigers to continue their fight for a finals spot without their No.1 ruckman.
It has opened the door for Soldo or Samson Ryan to return to the senior side - both have been named in an extended squad - while Ben Miller served as Nankervis' ruck partner in last week's win over the Swans.
Soldo, who featured in the Tigers' 2020 premiership side, has been limited to just one senior match this season because of a battle with foot injuries.
"He's just struggled to get some continuity, which three weeks in a row now he's been able to get," Richmond interim coach McQualter told reporters on Thursday.
"(His form) is improving. When you miss a lot of football like Soldo has it takes a little bit of time to get your touch back.
"He's certainly in great physical condition - he's a big dude - and with three weeks of footy hopefully he's been able to improve his touch."
Versatile ruck-forward Ryan has played 14 senior games this season but was dropped last week and played back-up to Soldo in the VFL, where he spent most of his time in attack.
The 22-year-old played one of his best AFL games as the lead ruckman in a win over West Coast back in round eight.
"Long-term we think Samson's going to be a No.1 ruck but we also know how hard it is for a young kid to carry the ruck," McQualter said.
"He's shown he's able to do it and he's been a great second ruck at times, as well, and we're really excited about his future."
Nankervis' heavy bump on Lloyd, which left the Sydney playmaker concussed, sparked fresh calls for the AFL to introduce a send-off rule.
The veteran's suspension means he will miss matches against West Coast, Hawthorn and premiership contenders Melbourne.
"Toby put his hand up pretty much straight away and acknowledged that he got it wrong," McQualter said.
"I'm disappointed that Toby is going to miss three weeks of football - he's a great player for us - but Toby goes after the ball and is one of our best contested-ball players.
"Unfortunately he got it wrong in that circumstance."
Richmond defender Robbie Tarrant has announced his retirement, effective immediately, because of a chronic hip injury.
Tarrant managed just two VFL appearances for the Tigers this season after playing 20 senior games last year.
The 34-year-old played 174 games over 12 seasons with North Melbourne, winning the club's best-and-fairest award in 2016, before moving to Richmond.
7°C