Rioli was initially expected to miss up to 10 weeks after scans revealed he had suffered a hamstring tendon injury against Gold Coast in round 15.
That would have sidelined him until a possible preliminary final, but the Hawks now believe he could be available in round 22 or 23 ahead of the club's September campaign.
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"He’s been full of beans since his return and has started his rehab from the hamstring," general manager of football operations Chris Fagan told hawthornfc.com.au.
Rioli is back jogging and his rehabilitation is progressing as expected, according to the club, after he spent a week back home in the Northern Territory following the injury.
The Hawks could be boosted by the return of key players Josh Gibson and Bradley Hill following their bye this weekend.
Gibson, who underwent surgery for a torn pectoral, last played in round eight but has been in skills training for three weeks.
Hill has missed the last two matches with a knee injury.
The Hawks face the Sydney Swans at the MCG in the second week off round 18.
