HAWTHORN midfielder Chance Bateman could be sidelined for up to six weeks after scans revealed a high-grade sprain to his right ankle.

Bateman injured the ankle during the first quarter of the Hawks' 29-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday when his leg became tangled as he scrambled for the ball alongside teammate Grant Birchall and opponent Lindsay Gilbee.

The hard-running veteran was subbed from the match at quarter-time, replaced by Luke Breust.

Hawthorn general manager of football operations Mark Evans said scans on Monday revealed significant damage.

"He's got a high grade ankle sprain, so he's going to miss some weeks, maybe up to four to six," Evans told hawthornfc.com.au on Tuesday morning.

"It could be quicker than that, but given we're right smack bang in the middle of the season, we'll respect that and he'll be ready when he's ready.

"But he won't play this week."

Mark Macgugan writes for hawthornfc.com.au and covers Hawthorn news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan.