VonAppen conceded after yesterday's practice that there is little reason for Robinson to think he's going to play again this season.

A nasty shinsplint injury that first occurred last spring has left the junior college transfer from Utah on crutches the past couple of weeks. Even if he did return, there's always the possibility of hurting the shins again.

"I think we're about to render him as a redshirt," vonAppen said. "We still want to discuss it with him one more time before making a final decision.

"And even if he got better, the doctors are concerned he could get hurt after a week and be right back where he was before. So there's no point in burning a year on the guy. But he needs to say that, too."

Robinson already has expressed interest in redshirting. He said last week he wanted to meet with the coaches before announcing his decision.

"I sense he's more amenable to it now than he ever was before," vonAppen said.

INJURY UPDATE: The myriad injuries suffered by Hawaii at Nevada-Las Vegas 10 days ago appear to be on the mend.

VonAppen expects cornerback Al Hunter (shoulder), center Shane Oliveira (ankle) and inside linebacker Doug Rosevold (shoulder) to make this week's trip to Colorado State. He also confirmed that Tony Tuioti (knee) will be back at nose tackle and defensive lineman Ben Bright (ankle) and outside linebacker Brian Chapman (ankle) should be better as well.

Hunter is still bothered by a shoulder injury, but said after yesterday's practice that he can play.

Oliveira said he's ready as well. The fifth-year senior has his ankles taped up so high, he looks like Herman Munster whenever he walks. He said it keeps his sore ankles from hurting as much.

On a down note, linebackers Stephen Gonzales (ankle and shoulder) and Rufus Ayeni (knee) didn't respond at practice as well as first hoped. This is the last game Gonzales can play if he plans on seeking a medical hardship. Ayeni has been out since spraining his knee the last week of fall camp.

Down lineman Matt Elam probably won't make the trip due to a neck injury, but cornerback Robbie Robinson is healed from an ankle injury.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Hawaii remained among the Western Athletic Conference leaders in several major offensive and defensive categories.

The Rainbows are ranked fourth in the league and first in the Pacific Division against the rush, yielding 123.5 yards a game. They also are fifth against the pass and fifth in total defense, giving up an average of 343 yards a game.

Hawaii is second in the league in sacks with 15 and first in the WAC in turnover margin, averaging plus 1.5 a game. That's also good enough for No. 13 in the nation.

On an individual front, punter Chad Shrout remained first in the league and third in the nation, averaging 47 yards a kick. Hawaii is second in the WAC in net punting with a 41.1-yard average. Eric Hannum is second in the WAC and No. 16 nationally in field goals, averaging 1.5 a game.