HAWTHORN forward Jarryd Roughead is edging closer to a return to the field, with the spearhead set to join in light skills training this week. 

The Hawks estimate Roughead, who had the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee reconstructed in February, is around six weeks away from being available to play.

Hawks football manager Chris Fagan said the vice-captain was looking forward to progressing to the next stage of his rehabilitation.

"The plan is this week he starts doing a few light skills,” Fagan told the club's website.

"Roughy will be excited about that because footy is what he loves… kicking the balls around and doing all of that sort of stuff."

The Hawks will continue to treat Roughead's injury cautiously, according to Fagan.

"It will be a gradual process," he said.

"Obviously with a knee injury like that, the medical guys and fitness guys are really conditioning him to change direction … that's the next part of his rehab, so that’s going to start this week. 

"He won’t do too many drills, but he’ll do a few. That’s going to build up over the next few weeks." 

Roughead is yet to play this season and the Hawks have desperately missed his presence up forward, although fellow forwards Cyril Rioli (13 goals), Paul Puopolo (12) and Jack Gunston (12) have done their best to pick up the slack.

The Hawks sit eighth on the ladder with a win-loss record of 4-2 after six rounds.