After raging speculation over the weekend as the Lions crashed to the edge of a NAB Cup pre-season grand final, that the Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist was doubtful to start the new home-and-away series, Brisbane announced on Tuesday Black is out for a month.
Black, 33, is struggling to recover from knee surgery he underwent in December and has not yet joined the main Lions training group.
The Lions conceded Black will miss four weeks, meaning the champion ball-winner will certainly miss Brisbane's Round 1 clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
The veteran midfielder could also be in significant doubt for the Lions' first home game at the Gabba in Brisbane the next weekend against Adelaide.
The Lions also confirmed injury-plagued utility Brent Staker is still five weeks away from resuming, after undergoing a full knee reconstruction.
Brisbane does not expect the former West Coast goal-kicker to be available until at least Round 3 of the premiership season.