StarBulletin.com

Rocky's road still unclear


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POSTED: Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Today's practice represents a key a test for Hawaii defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea's comeback bid.

Despite a tear in his left triceps, Savaiigaea participated in the Warriors' light practice yesterday morning. But he said today's workout will be more indicative of the injury's progress.

“;I'm going to test it out,”; Savaiigaea said. “;I still have to see how it feels against pads. I'm going to really try to hit and see how it goes.”;

Though he took some repetitions at tackle yesterday, Savaiigaea said whether he'll be available for the Warriors' game at Boise State on Friday is uncertain and rated the ache in his arm as “;bearable.”; He practiced with his arm heavily wrapped and said he plans to try a customized brace.

Savaiigaea initially suffered a tear in the muscle during the first week of fall camp. He missed the first three games of the season and reinjured his arm in his return against San Jose State.

“;It's not as major as the first one, but it's still a tear,”; Savaiigaea said. His season would end if he opted to have surgery, but decided to give it another shot.

The Warriors' defensive tackle rotation welcomed senior Fale Laeli back to practice yesterday. Laeli has been bothered by a sprained ankle and sat out last week's win over Louisiana Tech.

The Warriors (3-3, 2-1 Western Athletic Conference) face 15th-ranked Boise State (5-0, 1-0) on Friday at Bronco Stadium. Kickoff for the game, to be televised on ESPN, is set for 2 p.m. Hawaii time.