Wednesday, October 3, 2001
There is no broken bone in Hawaii sophomore starting quarterback Tim Chang's right (throwing) wrist, doctors determined yesterday after looking closer at X-rays and an MRI. Tim Chang could play next week
'Rolo-time' for Hawaii
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comChang is still out for Saturday's game at Southern Methodist, but it's possible he could be back in the lineup for the following game, Oct. 13 at home against Texas-El Paso.
"Timmy will not make this week's trip to Dallas," UH coach June Jones said. "The good news is that there is no apparent fracture. The doctors are going to take additional X-rays on Monday and hopefully we can get him back on the field next week."
Chang, the nation's leader in total offense, fell on his wrist at the end of a fourth-quarter play during Hawaii's 27-24 loss to Rice last Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
Senior Nick Rolovich will start Saturday against SMU, Jones said.
Chang went to practice yesterday morning like any other. But instead of throwing passes with his wrapped-up right arm, he tossed simulated snaps to the other Hawaii quarterbacks with his left arm.
On Monday, doctors thought Chang had broken a small bone in the right wrist that would have kept him out at least two-to-three weeks and might have required surgery that includes putting a screw into the wrist. After examining Chang yesterday, they think the injury is less damaging.
Even if Chang does not play the rest of the season, he does not qualify for a medical redshirt.
In order to qualify for an additional year of eligibility, an injured player must play 20 percent or less of the first half of his team's schedule, according to the NCAA rule book. Chang has played three games, putting him over the limit since UH plays 12 games this season.