Backup middle linebacker George Daily-Lyles has a strained left knee and will not play in Hawaii’s road football game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, head coach Greg McMackin announced Monday.
But McMackin said the injury is not as serious as feared initially.
"It’s a strain, not a tear," McMackin said. "He’ll be back in a couple of weeks."
The week after the LaTech game, the Warriors have a bye. They next play a nationally televised road game against San Jose State on Oct. 14.
McMackin said Jordan Monico, a converted running back, will become the primary backup to inside linebacker Corey Paredes.
McMackin said he expects right slotback Miah Ostrowski, who missed the past two games because of a strained right foot, and right guard Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, who has not played this season because of a knee ailment, both to be cleared to practice today.
McMackin’s policy is that a starter does not lose his job because of an injury. If Ostrowski and Winchester-Makainai can practice without any problems, they should be back in the opening lineup. Justin Clapp has started in place of Ostrowski, and Andrew Faaumu has opened at right guard in UH’s first four games.
McMackin said David Lefotu, a second-year freshman, also will get work at right guard. Lefotu played in three quarters in the Warriors’ 56-14 victory over UC Davis this past Saturday.
"I really like him," McMackin said of Lefotu. "He’s a tough guy."
McMackin said he expects left tackle Clayton Laurel and center Matagisila Lefiti to start. Laurel is suffering from a sore shoulder and foot.
Laurel said he undergoes ice treatments and electrical stimulation on his sore foot. "I’m always stretching it," he said. "I’m trying to get better so I can play every snap."
McMackin’s got a chip
Where is the love?
"I’m going to pretty much carry this chip on my shoulder most of the year," McMackin said during his weekly news conference. "It’s getting to the point where everything is sort of questioned, you know. … We’re working our tail off. Even when you win, you get questioned."
McMackin acknowledged his team did not play well in a 40-20 loss to Nevada Las Vegas on Sept. 17, "and I’m going to have to take that to my grave, I guess."
But he said the reviews were not glowing over the one-sided victory over UC Davis, an FCS school.
"Why can’t people be more positive," said McMackin, who did not identify the source of the criticism. "Honestly, I mean, we won the game. Why sit around and make fun of some other team? I don’t get it."
Later, he said: "I know everybody will start to jump back if we start getting after it, but, gosh dang, we’re down there. Maybe, it just makes us a tighter football team. You know, I’m pecked off most of the time now. Shoot, even when you win, you can’t have any fun."
