Laeli joins Warriors’ wounded

Defensive lineman Fale Laeli has joined the list of injured Hawaii players expected to miss the Warriors' game at Oregon State on Saturday.

Fale Laeli: Defensive tackle will miss Saturday's game at Oregon State

Laeli, who has shared time with Keala Watson at left tackle, left the Warriors' 36-17 win over Weber State last week with a high ankle sprain.

Defensive line coach Dave Aranda is preparing senior Vaughn Meatoga and junior Tuika Tufaga as part of a possible three- or four-man rotation behind Watson and right tackle Josh Leonard.

"This week will kind of bear that out," Aranda said. "It's a blessing - how many weeks ago were we talking about how deep we were at D-tackle? Once you talk about it, it gets taken away from you."

Tackle Rocky Savaiigaea (triceps tear) and linebacker Blaze Soares (calf tear) are expected to remain out this week, and running back Daniel Libre (high ankle sprain) is questionable. Offensive coordinator Ron Lee said the team will use today's practice to take stock of the players' progress, and added Kealoha Pilares will continue to split time at running back and slotback as Libre recovers.

Coach Greg McMackin said at his weekly news conference that the team was still checking the health of quarterback Inoke Funaki, who suffered a concussion against the Wildcats.

"If he's OK, it would be Inoke and Greg (Alexander) to split the (No. 2) reps," McMackin said.

Running back Leon Wright-Jackson suffered a turf toe in the win, but is expected to play.

Senior quarterback Tyler Graunke, who was awarded Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week yesterday for rousing Hawaii to victory after halftime, will start against the Beavers.